What Are the Most Common Causes of PTSD?
Not too
long ago, PTSD was believed to be something that only impacted soldiers
returning from war. Back then, it was referred to as shell shock, soldier's
heart, or battle fatigue. Now, however, mental health professionals recognize
that post-traumatic stress disorder can impact a number of individuals who have
never been near war or major conflict. Here are a few common causes of PTSD
that are recognized today. If you think you have PTSD, please find a PTSD
treatment center as soon as you can.
Serious Accidents
Being
involved in a serious accident can leave a person with more than just physical
injuries. Some individuals experience mental and emotional trauma that can
impact them for years to come. They may have recurring nightmares of the
accident, and may even find themselves unable to drive or ride in a car for
some time afterward, for fear of being involved in another accident.
Physical or Sexual Assault
Being a
victim of an assault is a shocking and traumatic experience. Even if the person
does not sustain serious physical injuries, the mental trauma that such an
event can inflict can scar an individual for life. They may experience anxiety
if they find themselves in a situation similar to the one that led to their
assault (e.g., walking alone at night or being approached by a stranger at a
bar). They may even struggle to speak to strangers or become reclusive and
refuse to leave their homes.
Surviving a Shooting
The
prevalence of gun violence in America is a hot-button topic in politics, and
it's important to recognize that those killed by gun violence are not the only
victims of it. Being present during a shooting, even if you walk out of the
event unscathed can cause PTSD. Exposure to such shocking and traumatic events
at work, school, or in a public place has a lasting impact on a person's mental
state.
Active Conflict
Of course,
individuals in the military still make up a large portion of patients with
PTSD. The traumas experienced during an active armed conflict are unlike any
others and these servicemen and servicewomen often live with physical, mental,
and emotional scars for the rest of their lives as a result.
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