Real Talk: Seeking PTSD Treatment

By Hope Phifer & Carmen Croucher, LPCC, NCC The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD

www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics

Do Not Let Avoidance Stop You From Seeking PTSD Treatment

Avoidance. We have all experienced it.

Avoidance is defined as the action of keeping away from or not doing something. It is often associated with strong negative beliefs about what has occurred or what will occur, and these beliefs are often out of proportion compared to the actual risk.

As we recognize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month this June, intended to raise public awareness, and reduce the stigma associated with the disorder, it is important to better understand some of the hallmark symptoms of PTSD including avoidance; avoidance of thoughts, memories, and triggers to limit emotional pain.

Before we go any further, think about it this way: distress is a normal reaction to an abnormal event and only evolves to an actual diagnosis of PTSD if the symptoms persist and do not resolve. So, in other words, it is normal for individuals with traumatic exposure to experience distressing symptoms. However, those symptoms should improve significantly within one to three months after the exposure.

PTSD is a mental health challenge that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a lifethreatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. Avoidance of treatment could be the result of the many misconceptions that exist about PTSD.

In June 2021, Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families, revealed findings of its America’s Mental Health PTSD Pulse Survey, which looked at Americans’ general knowledge and understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by The Harris Poll, offers a broad overview of Americans’ perceptions of PTSD. Among the highlights:

• One in four (26%) Americans believe the Majority of People with PTSD are Violent/Dangerous • Nearly one in four (23%) Americans believe PTSD is Not Treatable • Additionally, two-thirds (65%) of Americans who have been diagnosed with PTSD say that the civil unrest, political polarization & isolation created by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year has negatively impacted their recovery

Did you know that PTSD occurs in approximately 10% of individuals who are exposed to events in which perceived threat of death or sexual assault occurred? Also, PTSD can occur alongside other mental health issues such as depression, insomnia, and anxiety. And traumatic events have the potential to change or reinforce beliefs about trust, safety, intimacy, esteem, power, and control.

“A lack of understanding feeds into the stigma associated with mental health challenges such as PTSD, which can deter people from seeking care,” says CVN President and CEO Dr. Anthony Hassan. “As a means to address any misunderstandings that surround PTSD, we wanted to look at Americans’ perceptions of the disorder. What we found is that there are strong misconceptions on everything from symptoms to treatments.”

The survey also captured a snapshot of the militaryconnected community’s perception of, and experience with, PTSD vs. those without a military affiliation. One of the highlights included: Military-connected Americans (35%) are nearly two times more likely than those without a military affiliation (18%) to think that PTSD is not treatable.

“The military-connected community’s misperception of PTSD is troubling given the attention on PTSD within the military community as well as the impact PTSD can have on military families and military mission readiness,” Hassan added.

Avoidance may be a symptom you experience yourself or see in a loved one. But there is help.

Several treatments for PTSD have been proven effective. This includes Cognitive Processing Therapy, a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps individuals learn how to modify and challenge unhelpful believes related to trauma, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, which teaches people to gradually approach their trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations so that they understand they are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided.

“We have so much more to do to eradicate stigma and increase access to care. So, when those in need ask for help, we must be ready to help. We may only get one chance,” Hassan said. For more information about the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, visit www.vvsd.net/cohenclinics

Therapy for Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

Cohen Clinics provide therapy to post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families, including National Guard / Reserves. CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy available statewide.

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