Freespira named one of Fast Company's 2023 Most Innovative Companies.

Freespira in STAT: Read about Freespira's growth strategy here.

6 common myths about trauma and PTSD

A mother and her small daughter are enjoying their time during spring time sakura cherry blossom trees season in nature.

Trauma has been getting more attention lately. That’s a good thing. It can reduce stigma and help people get help when they need it. But false information can do the reverse. It can lead people to accept living with trauma symptoms instead of getting help. Here are 6 common myths about trauma and PTSD.

Myth #1: Trauma is caused by a single event.

Trauma can take many shapes and forms. Acute trauma is caused by a single event. It might be surviving a climate disaster or a sexual assault. Chronic trauma is repeated and ongoing. This could be domestic violence or childhood abuse.

Myth #2: Talking about trauma is the best way to process it.

Experts used to think that all survivors of trauma needed to express their emotions by talking about it. Doing so can be helpful for many people. However, research suggests that people who don’t process trauma this way can be just as healthy as those who do. There are many healthy ways to cope. There are also different forms of treatment. Freespira is an at-home treatment. It relieves symptoms by teaching a new way of breathing.

Myth #3: Trauma leads to PTSD.

The opposite is actually true. Many people live through trauma. And many recover on their own. Only some go on to have PTSD—a mental health condition with symptoms that last more than a month and interfere with daily life.

Many people have PTSD symptoms and are never formally diagnosed. Research suggests that those with symptoms that fall just below the threshold for a PTSD diagnosis could benefit from treatment, too. Freespira may be a good option as it doesn’t rely on medication. It also only takes a month to complete.

Myth #4: Trauma has to happen to you to affect you.

Trauma doesn’t only affect those it happens to directly. Watching a trauma, like an assault on someone else, can cause a trauma response. So can seeing the aftermath of a disaster, or hearing details about trauma on another person. This is called secondary trauma.

Myth #5: Trauma changes the brain forever.

It’s true that trauma can lead to changes in your nervous system and how you react to threats. But the brain can continue to change over the entire course of life. That’s why healthy coping methods are essential, as well as treatment when coping strategies aren’t enough.

Myth #6: Treatment either works or it doesn’t.

Trauma can be complex. Each person’s responses and recovery vary. It can take trying different things to find out what works. Freespira treatment can be used alone or with most other methods. It works quickly to relieve both panic attacks and PTSD symptoms in just a month.

Want to see if Freespira is right for you?

Firefighter with smiling boy after successful rescue operation

Trauma vs. stress: What you need to know

Elderly caucasian woman sleeping on the bed

Trauma vs. anxiety: Can you tell the difference?

Modern fatherhood outdoor lifestyle in the neighbourhood for diverse family

Trauma is more common than you think