What is currently happening around PTSD?
Currently, there is ongoing debate and research into changing the term Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI). Many argue that the term “disorder” implies permanency, while “injury” suggests it can be treated. This encourages more people to seek help and be able to talk about their situations without fear of discrimination. There is a major focus on self-stigma, where individuals with PTSD internalise their feelings, which can lead to lower self-esteem, social isolation and reluctance for support. This self-stigma is linked to higher levels of depression and anxiety, providing a barrier to treatment. Many people in the public perceive PTSD as only affecting military veterans, or that people should be able to get over their feelings. This public perception should be changed so that people believe that a normal reaction to an abnormal event stems from various traumas. Additionally, many people believe that PTSD is limited to first responders because they witness traumatic events, and that women aren’t susceptible to this mental health condition.
Structural Stigma
People with PTSD are often represented in the media as being weak or at a disadvantage to others. Symptoms are shown as flashbacks and reliving the traumatic event, when in reality, this is just one of many symptoms. As people perceive PTSD as a weakness, stress and anxiety increase, and people withdraw from support. Janoff-Bulman’s Shattered Assumptions Theory proves that structural stigma causes discrimination, leading those with PTSD to perceive the world as hostile and unpredictable.
Social Stigma
People with PTSD also experience social stigma as they are often perceived as violent, overly emotional, or responsible for their condition. This leads to higher chances of employment rejection, isolation and fear of seeking help. This links to the Social Identity Theory, where people dismiss their emotions and those of others in an attempt to fit in with the crowd. Here, the theory of self-reliance also applies, as, in many “powerful” communities, such as military personnel or first responders, asking for help is seen as a weakness and equated with a loss of identity.
Self Stigma
PTSD may also result in self-stigma, where people are likely to believe that their feelings are not valid, leading to reduced requests for assistance and social isolation. Many believe that PTSD is a sign of vulnerability or a lack of emotional regulation. According to the Social Cognitive Model of Stigma, societal stigma can lead to self-stigma as people accept stereotypes and apply them to themselves. Stigma persists as it is deeply ingrained in society, and core prejudices often remain despite efforts to overcome this.