PTSD Answers to Common Questions

Some scars scream in silence—that is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It’s no drama; it’s not a phase. PTSD is as real as any other mental health condition [1]. What was studied centuries ago as a common issue among soldiers surviving brutal conditions in war is more common today with civilians than we know. About 5 in every 100 adults in the USA have PTSD as recorded in any given year [1]. As of 2020, over 13 million people in the USA were battling PTSD.

Facts About PTSD – More Than You Know
PTSD is a mental health condition that can impact somebody who has survived a traumatic experience—something really scary, shocking, or upsetting [2]. In usual circumstances, our bodies initiate the ‘fight-or-flight’ state during and soon after the incident. When these feelings persist for days after the incident with no apparent immediate trigger, it can be termed as PTSD [3]. Common symptoms include:

• Flashbacks of the incident and reliving traumatic experiences
• Staying wary of people, places, and objects that may trigger memories of the trauma
• Vivid nightmares about the incident and poor sleep quality [4]
• Feeling on edge all the time with a sense of impending doom
• Jumpscares and night sweats
• Trouble focusing on work and personal life
• Staying spaced out most of the time and finding it hard to relax
Managing PTSD With Integrative Medicine
Researchers, healthcare practitioners, and patients have shown significant interest in combining natural and functional ways with traditional treatments to heal PTSD from within [2, 3].

• Naturopathy: Using natural remedies, herbal supplements, and lifestyle modifications to support the nervous system and reduce hypervigilance.
• Nutrition therapy: Addressing gut-brain connections, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies that can worsen PTSD symptoms.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Evidence-based therapy that helps process traumatic memories and develop healthier thought patterns [2].
• Exposure therapy: Gradual, controlled exposure to trauma-related triggers to reduce their emotional impact over time.
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A specialized therapy that helps the brain process traumatic memories more effectively [3].
• Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medicine technique that can help regulate the stress response and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Non-Military Causes of PTSD
With a higher predilection for women, 8% of women in the USA go through PTSD at some point in their lives [1]. This is partly because women are more likely than men to endure traumatic experiences such as sexual assault.

• Childhood abuse and neglect
• Sexual assault or domestic violence
• Physical assault in public or at home
• Serious road traffic accidents
• Surviving natural disasters or terror attacks
• Sudden demise of a loved one
• Experiencing unexpected significant losses
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD that are affecting your daily life, relationships, or ability to function, please reach out [3]. PTSD is highly treatable, and with the right support, full recovery is possible. Our trauma-informed team provides compassionate, evidence-based care in a safe environment where healing can begin.