Your last relationship ended months ago, but your body still tenses up when someone raises their voice. You find yourself constantly analyzing your new partner’s mood, searching for signs they might turn on you. Simple disagreements feel like threats, and you catch yourself either shutting down completely or preparing to…
Trauma and PTSD are often intertwined yet distinct experiences. Trauma encapsulates a range of distressing events, from accidents to emotional harm, while PTSD represents a specific set of symptoms and a clinical diagnosis resulting from exposure to trauma. This article delves into the differentiation between the two, shedding light on…
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop in those who have experienced prolonged and/or repetitive traumatic events in their lives. In a CPTSD vs. PTSD matchup, these conditions may seem similar, but in reality, they are different in many ways. Take a closer look with…
It is entirely natural to experience a range of emotions after a traumatic event. Most people recover from these initial reactions and feelings within a few weeks. However, if you have ongoing problems, there could be something else going on, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This practical guide will help…
It’s important to spread awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues and the negative effects of stigma surrounding them. This is why events like PTSD Awareness Month exist—to promote learning, growth, acceptance, and change within our cultures and society. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused…
Your abuser does not get to define the rest of your life. You can know this intellectually, but it’s a whole different beast to know it in your body. People who experience sexual assault might internalize their fear and trauma so they continue to feel unsafe in their skin. They…
People who have gone through traumatic events may experience some mental and emotional disturbances. They may not be able to perceive things positively and live life as they did before. There might be flashbacks, anxieties, and fears that may continue to affect their ability to function daily, which are common…
“Little did I know that in these dark moments of early motherhood, I wasn’t simply reacting to the stress-inducing challenges of being a new mom. I was also unexpectedly dealing with a series of present-moment triggers that were causing me to relive the excruciating traumas of my youth.” Lindsay’s daughter,…
New research finds that people with PTSD who do not receive treatment have a higher risk of developing dementia later in life. This research also finds that veterans diagnosed with PTSD (who are more likely to receive treatment for PTSD compared with the general population) have a reduced risk of…
September 11, 2001 was a tragic day in American history. When the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon happened, it shook the whole country. It was even worse for those who were there to witness it in person. Innocent bystanders, employees just trying to get to…
According to a new study “Distinct neural mechanisms for the prosocial and rewarding properties of MDMA,” published in Science Translational Medicine, MDMA (ecstasy) could improve trust between patient and therapist, thereby enhancing treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers from Stanford University School of Medicine differentiated two molecular pathways, one responsible…
PTSD and anxiety: Does one cause the other? This question popped up recently when I was speaking with someone who has severe panic attacks, which are “debilitating” and require inpatient care. As this individual was sharing about their experiences, they told me that when they think about how much time…
