The Stigma Behind PTSD

By: Kayden Musengo/ November 22nd, 2022

PTSD can often be thought of as a veteran grieving from war and getting flashbacks from it. Problem is people don’t realize that anyone can get PTSD from a situation. PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. Common symptoms: vivid flashbacks (feeling like the trauma is happening right now), intrusive thoughts or images, nightmares, intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma, physical sensations (such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling).

One problem with any mental impairment is general public perception can make it difficult for individuals with any mental disorder to be open about their symptoms. Most of the public perceptions are based on stereotypes and discrimination. Common labels are: Crazy, Dangerous, Unhinged, Unreliable, Irresponsible, Weak, Damaged, Dramatic. People that don’t are not able to comprehend PTSD may think of an individual as dramatic or seeking attention.

The most common symptoms for most are flashbacks and anxiety. A reason a person may be labeled as dangerous or “crazy” is because an individual may encounter a trigger and may act out of fear, the behavior becoming labeled as an attempt to hurt others or cause a scene. Triggers can range from anything that reminds them of the event that caused PTSD for them, like music to the room they might have been in.

Common hurtful things that are often said to PTSD sufferers is: “get over it” and “it isn’t that bad,” even though PTSD is a serious mental disorder that can severely disrupt a person's life. A leading reason is the need to educate others which is one biggest reason for the stigma. People who are not able to understand the condition may have difficulty empathizing.

Managing PTSD is really hard and many people may not be diagnosed until they hit their breaking point. They may act out in ways that may seem dramatic to others, supporting stigmas surrounding PTSD. A person with this condition may be reluctant to ask for help, increasing their chances of turning to more dangerous coping methods, like drug abuse. Severe harassment can also push them into isolation, which could induce symptoms of depression. PTSD sufferers who come across stereotypes because of their condition may go to extreme lengths to escape chastisement, like suicide.

So to help out a person in need that has or has not been diagnosed is to educate yourself on the topic before creating a stigma against a mental health disorder. If you know someone that is suffering they could go to a social worker/therapist, contact and text 988 or chat online, or just by talking/ being there for someone can help out so much.

Social Workers here at Liverpool High School:

Jennifer Prusinowski, (she, her), LMSW

315-453-1500 x4124
Covers last names beginning with A - I

Beth Hughes (she, her), LMSW

315-453-1500 x4101
Covers last names beginning with J - R

Amelia Scott, (she, her), LMSW

315-453-1500 x4153
Covers last names beginning with S-Z

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