Trauma reshapes lives in powerful ways. It can leave invisible scars that affect mental health long after the traumatic events have ended. The only way forward is by looking back and rewriting the way we view our past. We are forever limited by how we believe we are perceived... and who we believe we are. The most successful of people still struggle in areas of their life where trauma has been ignored, overlooked or minimized.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common outcomes of such trauma. It affects not only soldiers who have encountered the horrors of war but also individuals who endure domestic abuse. While both conditions can share symptoms, their origins and recovery paths are quite different. This article explores these distinctions, sheds light on prevention strategies, and aims to break the cycle of depression.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition that surfaces after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While often linked to military service, studies show that rates of PTSD among domestic abuse survivors can be comparable. According to the National Center for PTSD, approximately 7-8% of the general population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, a figure that rises significantly among those exposed to domestic violence.
Both military and domestic abuse survivors may experience symptoms like flashbacks, heightened anxiety, emotional numbness, and problems focusing. However, understanding the roots and expressions of these conditions is essential for effective treatment.
Military PTSD: A Unique Frame of Reference
Military PTSD typically originates from the experiences of soldiers in combat. Many face high-stress situations, including life-or-death scenarios, and witness violence that dramatically impacts their mental well-being.
Symptoms of Military PTSD
Veterans may experience symptoms such as:
Intrusive Memories: Distressing memories or flashbacks that can feel as real as the original event. About 31% of veterans experience flashbacks, impacting daily life.
Avoidance: Actively avoiding people, places, or experiences that remind them of their trauma. This withdrawal can lead to isolation.
Hyperarousal: Symptoms like insomnia, irritability, and heightened startle responses, which can disrupt daily functioning and relationships.
Treatment Approaches
Effective treatment for military PTSD often includes:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach helps individuals rethink and reframe their traumatic experiences, promoting healthier ways to cope.
Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to trauma reminders combined with relaxation methods can significantly reduce anxiety, helping around 60-80% of individuals.
Support Groups: Engaging with fellow veterans can provide a valuable sense of community and empathy, often essential for recovery.
Domestic Abuse PTSD: A Hidden Struggle
PTSD from domestic abuse arises from ongoing psychological, emotional, or physical trauma inflicted by an intimate partner. This form of PTSD remains less visible and may not be easily recognized.
Symptoms of Domestic Abuse PTSD
Individuals experiencing domestic abuse PTSD may face:
Emotional Distress: Constant feelings of anxiety, depression, or worthlessness, impacting daily life. Studies show that over 80% of domestic abuse survivors report significant emotional distress.
Trust Issues: The pain from betrayal can create hurdles in forming new relationships, often leaving lasting scars.
Dissociation: Feelings of detachment from reality can occur as a coping mechanism, with many survivors reporting this as a common symptom.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for those suffering from domestic abuse PTSD can include:
Trauma-Informed Care: This approach emphasizes understanding the impact of trauma and offers a safe healing environment, crucial for recovery.
Conventional Approach: a personalized therapy sessions allow individuals to express feelings and develop coping skills tailored to their unique experiences.
Holistic Options for Both Military & DV PTSD
Treatment for those suffering from domestic abuse PTSD & military PTSD can include:
Journaling also called expressive writing, to help people cope with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Meditation has been proven to help survivors of domestic violence calm their minds, heal their bodies, and let go of trauma
Mindfulness Techniques: Incorporating practices such as yoga, which has shown a 30% decrease in PTSD symptoms for participants in studies, can help in regaining self-awareness and control.
Pranayama, breathing techniques, such as 4-7-8 breathing or deep breathing helps regulate the ANS
Yoga Nidra, a deep guided relaxation.
The Overlapping and Diverging Symptoms of PTSD
Although military and domestic abuse PTSD share symptoms like heightened anxiety and emotional numbness, their triggers differ significantly. Military PTSD is frequently linked to acute, singular traumatic events, while domestic abuse PTSD often stems from ongoing chronic trauma. Acknowledging these differences is vital for tailoring effective treatment approaches.
Breaking the Cycle: Preventing the Depression Loop
Recovering from PTSD can lead to a "depression loop," with individuals struggling to break free from negative thought patterns. Here are strategies to prevent this cycle:
Building a Support System
Establishing a network of supportive friends, family, or groups can be vital. Connecting with those who understand shared experiences fosters a sense of belonging and understanding.
Seeking Help
Therapy is an essential step. Mental Health & Holistic professionals can provide personalized coping strategies, holistic methods & modalities and a safe space to discuss trauma either in person or via zoom.
Engaging in Self-Care
Self-care practices significantly impact mental well-being. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep all contribute to better emotional health and can alleviate symptoms of depression.
Addressing the Need for Education
Raising awareness about PTSD can benefit both survivors and their loved ones. By informing communities about the realities of military and domestic abuse PTSD, we can dismantle stigma and encourage open conversations, making healing more achievable.
The Path to Recovery
In summary, military PTSD and domestic abuse PTSD, while stemming from different origins, have significant impacts on mental health. Recognizing their unique aspects is crucial for developing effective support systems and prevention strategies. By prioritizing community support, mental health resources, and self-care, individuals can break free from the cycle of depression and embark on a journey toward healing.
Emphasizing understanding and awareness around these issues will lead to a future where struggles with trauma are met with compassion and effective solutions. With the right support, survivors can reclaim their lives, ensuring they do not face their battles alone.
Once again, the only way forward is by looking back and rewriting the way we view our past. We are forever limited by how we believe we are perceived... and who we believe we are. WE cap ourselves off and lower the ceiling of our potential by NOT processing the trauma we've endured.The most successful of people still struggle in areas of their life where trauma has been ignored, overlooked or minimized.
Each week, I'll be sharing more information in regards to healing ourselves and the benefits of holistic modalities in your journey.
If there is a subject you would like more on, please reach out an let me know. Look for the next blog; next topic will be youth depression, suicide and an option through bullying.
Best Regards,
Polly Behringer
Babaylan & Holistic Modalities Trauma Specialist
two weeks in a row! Good content... future and young self would be proud of the consistency. Looking forward to the next blog with the podcast content to match!