Myths and Facts About PTSD

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), around 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. While some may heal within a few months, others could take much longer, with symptoms sometimes appearing well after the incident — resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD can be effectively managed through various therapies and medications. If you have lasting effects of trauma, you should seek appropriate care rather than avoiding it. People sometimes dismiss care, however, because myths about the condition cloud their perception of the disorder.

Here at My Psych Health LLC, serving patients in Arkansas and Oklahoma, we offer compassionate, convenient, and effective telehealth psychiatric services for PTSD.

Take a moment to learn more about PTSD. We can help you distinguish myth from fact when it comes to its origins, effects, and treatment.

Myth 1: PTSD only affects veterans

Fact: While military veterans are often associated with PTSD due to the high incidence among those exposed to combat, anyone who has experienced trauma can develop the disorder. This includes survivors of accidents, natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, domestic violence, and childhood trauma. 

PTSD isn’t limited to combat or military service but can affect people from all walks of life, including children and civilians.

Myth 2: PTSD always happens immediately after trauma

Fact: PTSD symptoms may not appear immediately following a traumatic event. Symptoms can take weeks, months, or even years to surface. Delayed-onset PTSD is common, and people may not make the connection between their symptoms and the trauma right away. 

This delay can make it more difficult for you to recognize that you need help, underscoring the importance of long-term emotional care and self-awareness. We can provide that.

Myth 3: People with PTSD are always dangerous or violent

Fact: This is one of the most damaging myths about PTSD. While irritability and hyperarousal are common symptoms, people who have PTSD are not inherently dangerous or violent. Most people with PTSD are more likely to withdraw or avoid situations that remind them of their trauma. 

Associating PTSD with violence contributes to stigma and can deter people from seeking the support they need out of fear of being misunderstood. If you avoid help because you don’t want to be seen as having a problem, our telehealth psychiatry offers you discretion along with effective care.

Myth 4: Only weak people get PTSD

Fact: PTSD isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a normal human response to abnormal levels of stress. Anyone can develop PTSD if they’re exposed to trauma, and it has nothing to do with mental toughness or emotional strength. Many factors influence whether you develop PTSD, such as:

• Intensity of the trauma
• Previous experiences
• Genetic predisposition

It’s important to recognize that reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Myth 5: PTSD is permanent and can’t be treated

Fact: PTSD treatments are often effective, and many people recover or manage their symptoms well with proper care like that offered by My Psych Health LLC. Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), counseling, and medication are shown to help people cope with and reduce PTSD symptoms. 

Telehealth psychiatry, in particular, makes it easier for you to access therapy and support from the comfort of your own home.

Myth 6: People with PTSD should just ‘move on’

Fact: Telling someone who has PTSD to merely “move on” from their trauma is not only unhelpful but also harmful. PTSD alters brain function and involves a complex combination of psychological, emotional, and physical responses. 

Symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbness are not things people can simply “get over.” Effective treatment involves addressing the trauma and developing strategies to manage symptoms. Healing is a process, and compassion is essential.

Myth 7: If you don’t have flashbacks, you don’t have PTSD

Fact: While flashbacks are a well-known symptom of PTSD, they’re not the only indicator of the condition. PTSD can show up in a variety of ways, including:

• Avoidance of trauma-related triggers
• Intrusive thoughts or memories
• Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle responses
• Emotional numbness
• Sleep disturbances and nightmares

You might not experience flashbacks, but that doesn’t mean your PTSD is less serious. 

Myth 8: PTSD symptoms are always severe and noticeable

Fact: PTSD symptoms can range from mild to severe, and not everyone with PTSD shows outward signs of distress. 

Some people may function well in daily life while struggling internally with intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness, or anxiety. Don’t dismiss your experience or someone else’s just because everything seems “fine” on the surface.

Break the stigma around PTSD

PTSD is a real and complex mental health disorder that requires compassion, understanding, and appropriate treatment. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, know that help is available here at My Psych Health LLC. 

Our telehealth psychiatric specialists offer a convenient, confidential way to access support and begin the healing journey. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your mental health. Use the online tool to schedule.