Everyone is susceptible to anxiety, stress, and other distressing emotions after something scary or even traumatic happens. For many people, these feelings are likely to improve after some time, but for some, the condition worsens. Depending on the event itself and the individual, this can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition in which a person has difficulty recovering after living through a terrifying event.
Studies suggest that women are more likely than men to experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and often with increased intensity. While women are more likely to develop this condition after a traumatic experience, it typically takes longer for them to get diagnosed. This begs the question, Why does this occur and how can women ensure that they receive the proper diagnosis and treatment?
What Causes PTSD?
No singular experience is guaranteed to cause post-traumatic stress disorder, as it all depends on the type of event and the individual person. For one person, an event might not prove to be that stressful, but for someone else, the same event could be devastating. There are, however, events that are often regarded as traumatic and are more likely to yield a post-traumatic response. These include:
• Terrorist attacks
• Sexual or physical assault
• Combat or military experience
• Death of a loved one
• Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Witnessing a horrible event
Symptoms of PTSD
While symptoms will differ in severity and presentation from person to person, the following are the most common symptoms seen in people with PTSD:
• Reliving the event again and again
• Experiencing nightmares and flashbacks
• Having negative thoughts about yourself or your life
• Difficulty performing daily tasks
• Feeling nervous, jittery, or jumpy
• Trouble sleeping
• Avoiding situations that remind you of the event
• Having panic attacks that seem to occur for no apparent reason
• Experiencing depression and anxiety
Though these are some of the most common symptoms, different people experience PTSD differently. In some cases, the people facing this trauma will show no symptoms for a prolonged period. The symptoms can develop slowly and may be confused with other diagnoses like anxiety or depression.
PTSD in Women
Due to the widespread stigmatization of mental health in our society, women often hesitate to seek out professional help, specifically when it involves domestic violence or sexual abuse. There are many unfair societal norms and expectations placed on women; thus, they can be led to feel that they are being dramatic, that they are making it up, or that they asked for it, thus they keep quiet.
In other cases, the memory of the trauma may have been repressed and is not triggered until years later, long after symptoms have started to fester.
How to Cope
Taking time to check in with yourself and reflect on your internal experience following a difficult event can be incredibly impactful, especially when identifying possible symptoms of post-traumatic stress. If you suspect that you have PTSD, here are some ways that you can begin to process your experience and get the help you deserve:
1. Acknowledge that something is wrong and that it is okay not to be okay
2. Confide in a trusted friend or family member
3. Engage in self-care like meditation, exercise, or journaling
4. Seek professional help right away if you feel that your symptoms impair your ability to function
While a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis can feel daunting, it can be treated with counseling and medication along with other alternative therapies. You are not alone and you do not have to suffer. At Elevate Counseling we work with women challenged with trauma in all it's many forms. Reach out to us to get scheduled today.