I have noticed htat "PTSD" has become the 'it' term - even in my support group it is bandied about and I feel it is insulting - that it lessens it somehow. I have strong reaction when I hear people say they have PTSD because they were traumatised by trivial experiences. No kidding, I heard one woman say she had PTSD because she was affected by her husband taking away her credit card. PTSD is about a lot of things; perhaps some may in fact seem trivial to me. But, what is common is the abject paralyzing fear, emotional or physical pain, and an intense feeling of shame that accompanies it.
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Definition from the Mayo Clinic:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a while, but they don't have PTSD — with time and good self-care, they usually get better. But if the symptoms get worse or last for months or even years and interfere with your functioning, you may have PTSD.
Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function.
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