For people who live with symptoms of trauma, getting treatment that works can make all the difference. Yet common myths about PTSD can keep people from getting the help they need. How many of these have you heard?
Myth #1: It’s all in your head
It’s true that PTSD symptoms start with changes in your brain. But that doesn’t mean they’re all in your head. Many people with PTSD also have panic attacks, which can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and other physical symptoms.
Myth #2: PTSD is a military thing
PTSD can affect anyone. While it does impact veterans at higher rates, many civilians live through trauma too. Trauma can come in many forms: a car accident, a sexual assault, a natural disaster, or being abused as a child. For some people, traumas related to COVID-19 have led to PTSD.
Myth#3: People with PTSD are violent
Despite what happens in the movies, people with PTSD don’t all explode with rage. Many avoid situations that make them anxious, like driving or social events. That can mean cutting off friends and loved ones. The problem: Social support can be a lifeline that actually helps with PTSD.
Myth #4: “Getting over” trauma just takes time
It’s true that most people start to feel better within a few weeks or months of a trauma. But it’s not true for everybody. Sometimes PTSD can surface years or even decades later. And it doesn’t always fade with time.
Myth #5: There’s nothing you can do about it
A variety of treatments have been shown to help people with PTSD symptoms. Many use medication or talk therapy to feel better. Freespira works by teaching patients how to regulate their breathing. It’s FDA-cleared for use at home to lessen or even stop PTSD symptoms in just 28 days.
If you’d like to learn more about Freespira or see if it could help you or a family member, please call +1 800.735.8995 or visit our self referral page.
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