Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that usually occurs in people who have endured a traumatic experience.
This can include anything from a natural disaster to physical assault. PTSD is quite common among war veterans because they often experience traumatic events in their line of work. Unfortunately, mental illness as a whole is misunderstood by many, and many of the harmful stigmas surrounding PTSD can directly affect those with this condition. In an effort to spread awareness, our substance abuse treatment center in Pompano offers mental health services and continues the work of unmasking the stigma surrounding PTSD.
Common Negative Stereotypes of PTSD
There is a general public perception of PTSD that can make it difficult for individuals with this mental disorder to be open about their symptoms. Public stigmas surrounding PTSD are based on stereotypes and discrimination, usually neither accurate nor helpful.
Common stereotypes and stigmas surrounding PTSD include labels like:
- Crazy
- Dangerous
- Unhinged
- Unreliable
- Irresponsible
- Weak
- Damaged
- Dramatic
People who don’t fully comprehend post-traumatic stress disorder may think the individual is being dramatic or is seeking attention. Flashbacks and anxiety are common symptoms of PTSD, and an individual that comes across a trigger may act out in fear. This behavior could be mistaken as an attempt to hurt others or cause a scene.
Common and hurtful things that people say to PTSD sufferers are, “get over it” and “it isn’t that bad.” Keep in mind that this isn’t a voluntary condition. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious mental illness that can severely disrupt someone’s life without professional help.
At Banyan Treatment Centers Pompano, we offer a mental health program that offers treatment for mental illnesses like PTSD, depression, and more. We can help those struggling to cope with their PTSD symptoms improve their quality of life.
How Does Stigma Impact Those With PTSD?
It’s safe to say that the biggest contributing factor to the stigmas surrounding PTSD is ignorance. Many people don’t fully understand this condition and are therefore unlikely to either empathize or sympathize with those who suffer from it. Individuals who support PTSD stereotypes are often uneducated about this condition. PTSD can be difficult to manage; plenty of people don’t realize they’re suffering from PTSD until they hit a breaking point. Until then, they may act out in ways that may seem dramatic to others.
Supporting stigmas surrounding PTSD can cause a lot of damage. A person with this condition may be reluctant to ask for help, increasing their chances of turning to more dangerous coping methods, like drug abuse. Severe harassment can also push them into isolation, which could induce symptoms of depression. In extreme cases, PTSD sufferers who come across stereotypes because of their condition may go to extreme lengths to escape chastisement, like suicide.
Everyone is different; your life is not the same as someone else’s. A person who hasn’t experienced trauma in their lifetime may not understand someone who has. Whether or not you’ve come across someone who has been formally diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, it’s important to keep in mind that mental illness is serious and is a matter of life and death for many. Having a mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of and is not an excuse to treat others poorly.
If your or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, mental disorder, or both, we can help. Call Banyan Pompano today at 888-280-4763 for more information about our unique programs and therapies.
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