The Myths of PTSD: What You Need to Know

Let me start by saying I feel that I am the least among my brothers and sisters when it comes to the trauma I have suffered, particularly from life and combat deployments. I am rated at the highest level the VA offers, and when I received it, I was internally aghast. I didn’t believe I was that bad. I knew I had some issues, but… yet those around me knew. I regret not seeking help sooner; perhaps I could have spared my family from some of the suffering they endured because of me.

I admit that some of the things I’m going to talk about in this post I have been guilty of myself. Others I may have done without realizing it. It is my hope that as I’ve learned and corrected my own mistakes internally, I have also worked to correct the mistakes I’ve made outwardly toward those with trauma from their combat deployments or life experiences.

I am not an expert. I speak from personal experience and from observing many others as they’ve dealt with their demons. I’ve lost friends closer to me than family. This is not to say my family isn’t supportive or loving—they are—but this kind of loss shapes you in unique ways.

I have received expert guidance. I’ve read expert opinions. I believe I write from a place of understanding, and I firmly believe this information should be shared widely.

If I haven’t lost you so far, let’s dive in.

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What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops following a traumatic event. It is characterized by intrusive thoughts about the incident, recurrent distress or anxiety, flashbacks, and avoidance of similar situations. It doesn’t always stem from fear, nor does it have to be combat-related. This means anyone can develop PTSD: children, adults, people of any gender, religion, or nationality.

Sometimes, trauma isn’t immediately apparent. You may think you’re fine, but the way you cope might reveal unresolved issues. Sometimes your brain remembers things you don’t consciously recall. That happens.

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Harmful Statements and Misconceptions

During my journey, I’ve heard some truly harmful things from people who likely meant well but would have done better to simply listen:

• “You’re young and have your whole life ahead of you; you can’t be depressed.”
• “You’re a Christian; you can’t be depressed.”
• “No Christian should have PTSD coming home from war; they’re doing God’s work.”
• “PTSD is just a weakness.”
• “You shouldn’t have PTSD because this other guy did this and that, and he doesn’t.”
• “You’re lucky to be alive; why would you be depressed?”

Some of these statements came from people I respected: pastors, teachers, fellow veterans, and community leaders. Their words carried weight, which made them all the more damaging.

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There Is No Hierarchy of Trauma

For years, I wrongly believed in a hierarchy of PTSD. I thought combat veterans and sexual assault survivors sat at the top, and that if you hadn’t faced blood, death, or assault, you couldn’t possibly have PTSD. Veterans who claimed PTSD without deploying made me angry. I regret ever thinking that way.

There is no hierarchy of PTSD. Trauma is deeply personal. Your trauma is yours, and mine is mine. One is not “higher” than another.

While there may be people who falsely claim PTSD, I believe they are a small minority. The number of unclaimed and untreated traumas far outweighs fraudulent claims. The VA is not a welfare state; most people seeking help have legitimate needs. Supporting others on their journey is vital.

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PTSD and Broader Implications

Though I speak from a veteran’s perspective, PTSD is not exclusive to military service. It can result from any traumatic event:

• A loved one’s treatment in a hospital.
• Living with a family member who has mental or physical trauma.
• Surviving a car accident, natural disaster, or violent crime.
• Experiences in childhood, such as abuse or neglect.

PTSD often manifests in ways we don’t immediately recognize. For instance:

• A woman who stomps an imaginary brake in the passenger seat may have PTSD from a car accident.
• A teenager rebelling or withdrawing from church may have experienced abuse by a trusted authority.
• A parent’s overreaction to a child’s fall may stem from unresolved trauma.

Trauma can stack over time, compounding its effects.

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Addressing the Stigma

The stigma around mental health, especially in military and Christian communities, is a major barrier to healing. In the military, mental struggles are often seen as weakness. In Christian circles, reliance on God is sometimes presented as the only answer.

While faith can play a role in recovery, professional counseling is essential. Just as we wouldn’t ask a pastor to perform surgery, we shouldn’t expect them to address mental health needs fully. Counselors are trained to guide us through the work of healing. They are vital.

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Symptoms of PTSD

The following symptoms, as outlined by the VA, can help identify PTSD:

1. Reliving the Event (Re-experiencing Symptoms)
   • Nightmares.
   • Flashbacks.
   • Trauma reminders (triggers) like news reports, accidents, or loud noises.
2. Avoidance
   • Avoiding situations, people, or conversations that remind you of the event.
   • Keeping busy to avoid thinking about it.
3. Negative Thoughts and Feelings
   • Feeling numb or disconnected from others.
   • Forgetting or being unable to discuss parts of the trauma.
   • Viewing the world as dangerous and untrustworthy.
   • Experiencing guilt or shame about the event.
4. Hyperarousal (Feeling on Edge)
   • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
   • Being easily startled.
   • Engaging in unhealthy behaviors, like substance abuse or reckless driving.

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Final Thoughts

If you think you may have PTSD, please talk to a counselor. For veterans, resources like the VA and Veterans Crisis Line are available to help. If you know someone who might have PTSD, share this with them. You could save a life.

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Resources

• Veterans Crisis Line
• VA PTSD Resources

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