When you hear Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), you may initially think of veterans or EMS workers! Yet, PTSD is a mental health condition that anyone can face after experiencing or even witnessing trauma. It is not uncommon to experience symptoms of stress related to a traumatic event. However, when those symptoms last long term, that is when PTSD can develop. Symptoms may also be comorbid with conditions like substance abuse disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Here at Kitty With A Cupcake we are passionate about using our platform to raise awareness on topics that are important to us or we even have personal experience with. Aubrielle, Kitty With A Cupcake's Shipping Specialist and the author of this blog post, understands firsthand what it’s like to live with PTSD. They have been able to manage their symptoms and still live a fulfilling life thanks to therapy, medication, and a solid support system. PTSD isn't an easy thing to bring up, but letting people know what you are dealing with helps build connection. Accessibility Plaques from the Pride Pal Collection provide an easy, nonverbal way to communicate this. For Aubrielle, wearing a PTSD Plaque takes the pressure off of telling people. People can read it and have a level of understanding that they may need a little extra patience, calm energy, and compassion. Now let’s learn about PTSD!
What Does PTSD "Look" Like
A commonly known symptom of PTSD is flashbacks. Flashbacks are considered a re-experiencing type symptom, including nightmares and intrusive thoughts. Other symptoms may be avoidance, cognitive and mood symptoms, and arousal symptoms. Avoidance in PTSD can look like avoiding a certain place or object that reminds the person of the traumatic event. Cognitive and mood symptoms can include difficulty remembering the event, negative thoughts about one’s self, and feeling disconnected from reality. Lastly, arousal symptoms are related to hypervigilance, which can look like being on edge, trouble sleeping, or outbursts of anger.
Who Is Affected By PTSD
PTSD, like many mental health conditions, can affect anyone. In the U.S. PTSD affects about 9 million adults, with women and individuals assigned female at birth at a higher risk. It’s also important to note that due to systemic inequalities, some communities experience more trauma than others, which can make them more susceptible to developing PTSD. Social group identities like race, ethnicity, culture, social class, sexual and gender identity, ability status, nationality, and religion are significant considerations when discussing trauma and PTSD. Circumstances these groups may face that put them at higher risk include discrimination, law enforcement violence, resource deprivation, and more.
How To Cope With PTSD
Remember, healing is possible! At the same time, coping can also feel overwhelming when the symptoms are often debilitating. Treatment for PTSD can include psychotherapy, self-management strategies, or both. It is important to work with a mental health professional who can provide individualized treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health you can find professional services on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website. There you can navigate to local resources. You can also call the NAMI HelpLine Monday-Friday, 10 am-10 pm ET. Call 800-950-6264, text “NAMI” to 62640, or email at helpline@nami.org.
In the case of a crisis, 988 Lifeline is available 24/7. Call or text 988, chat online, and if you are Deaf/HoH you can access videophone here.
For LGBTQ+ youth, visit The Trevor Project for resources. They provide information, support, and crisis management for LGBTQ+ youth 24/7, 365 days a year. This is the charity that Kitty With A Cupcake donates 10% of sales to during Pride Month!
Final Takeaways
Raising awareness for PTSD helps us understand, destigmatize, and offer support to others. PTSD is an invisible illness, but it is very real and your experiences are valid. Recovery can feel draining, but talking about it is a great place to start a healing journey. Educating ourselves on mental health conditions, even ones we don’t experience, helps us build compassion, understanding, and empathy. Which helps shape a better world for everyone!