A Shared Struggle: Understanding PTSD and How to Address It
About one in five people who experience a traumatic event may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Once a topic discussed mainly by therapists, psychiatrists, and their patients, PTSD has now become a widespread issue, perhaps on a scale not seen since World War II, affecting entire nations and even global communities.
PTSD among veterans—like those of the Vietnam War, whose struggles filled countless books—is well-known. But today, this disorder can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, occupation, or location. From those living under the threat of missile strikes in Ukraine to those watching the war from afar in places like Sacramento, the risk of PTSD is strikingly universal. Even members of the Ukrainian refugee diaspora are not immune.
This is why I’m writing this piece. As PTSD becomes a shared burden, we need to understand what it is, how to recognize it, and how it can be treated. Anxiety isn’t always PTSD. Insomnia isn’t always PTSD. A low mood isn’t always PTSD. And conversely, PTSD doesn’t always manifest as these symptoms alone.
After three years of full-scale war, you’d think we’d all have a grasp of this by now. Yet, I frequently encounter misunderstandings about PTSD—people jokingly attribute a bad mood to it, self-diagnose, or even self-prescribe remedies.
Let’s aim for clarity. Below, I’ve outlined some key facts. For those eager to dive deeper, there’s a wealth of professional resources available online.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop as a response to a traumatic event, whether you experienced it directly or witnessed it. It may emerge—or it may not. Statistics show that about 20% of those who endure trauma develop PTSD. Scientists still debate why some people develop it while others, exposed to similar events, do not. Explanations range from brain structure to emotional health, past experiences, genetics, and even education level.
The bottom line: some psyches can process trauma, while others buckle under its weight.
PTSD vs. Stress
Stress is universal, wired into our biology. It fades over time, often forgotten. PTSD, however, can linger for years. Therapy may ease or even eliminate it, but it can return. The ultimate goal—achievable with proper treatment—is to overcome it for good.
Experts identify an “acute stress response” immediately following a traumatic event. If this persists beyond a month, it may develop into PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD
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Reliving the Trauma
Intrusive thoughts or dreams about the event refuse to fade. Words, objects, or sounds tied to the trauma can trigger panic or an urge to retreat. Physically, this may manifest as a racing heart, sweating, or difficulty focusing. -
Changes in Physical and Emotional States
People may become irritable or even aggressive, or they might withdraw, isolating themselves. Sleep and appetite often suffer. They may lean toward self-destructive behaviors or startle easily at loud noises or sudden movements. -
Avoidance
Individuals steer clear of conversations about the trauma, avoid locations tied to it, and distance themselves from people associated with the event. They build rigid emotional walls. -
Cognitive Shifts
PTSD fuels negative perceptions of oneself and the world, stirring fear, anger, guilt, or shame. It can dim hopes for the future, leading to withdrawal even from loved ones.
PTSD in Children
In preschoolers, PTSD may show up as:
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Clinging to a specific adult (a parent, older friend, sibling, or teacher).
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Reenacting the trauma through play (e.g., games mimicking war or violence).
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Reverting to old habits, like bedwetting, thumb-sucking, or needing to sleep with a parent.
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Developing a stutter or speech difficulties.
What Happens in the Brain
PTSD causes structural changes in the brain:
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The hippocampus (which regulates emotions and memory) shrinks, impairing the ability to process memories accurately.
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The amygdala (sensitive to stress and danger) becomes overactive, keeping people in a constant state of anxiety or alertness.
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The prefrontal cortex (which manages emotions and reins in the amygdala) loses responsiveness, reducing control over emotional reactions.
Hormonal Changes
PTSD can disrupt neurotransmitters like glutamate, serotonin, and GABA, which regulate stress responses and emotional balance, leading to erratic reactions to stressors.
Managing PTSD
In the developed world, PTSD is treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist diagnoses PTSD and prescribes tailored medications and dosages. Treatment can last months or even decades, depending on the individual.
Debunking Myths
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PTSD isn’t exclusive to veterans.
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It doesn’t resolve on its own.
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With proper treatment, PTSD doesn’t have to be permanent.
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It can surface years after the traumatic event.
Let’s stay informed, rely on reason, and trust professionals.
Olena Lyubchenko