We often think that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is something that only veterans or people who experience extreme, catastrophic events can develop. It is true that PTSD is more common in veterans than civilians, but millions of Americans will experience the disorder at some point in their lives. 

Julie Manuel, clinical program manager at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center, explains how PTSD forms and how it affects those facing it. 

What is PTSD? 

According to Julie, PTSD happens when someone experiences something disturbing or dangerous that their brain cannot fully comprehend and process at the time. 

“It overloads our ability to cope in that moment,” she says. 

PTSD can happen after experiencing something directly, like abuse or combat, or indirectly, like witnessing a car accident. Julie says it’s important to remember that trauma can result from any event regardless of how others perceive it. 

“What’s traumatic for you,” she says, “might not be traumatic for someone else.” 

We’ll all likely experience something frightening or distressing in our lives, but those with PTSD have difficulty overcoming the trauma they experienced because of their brain’s inability to process the information. Because of this, they often develop triggers that keep the memory fresh in their minds, making it even more challenging to recover.  

What is a trigger? 

A trigger is anything that reminds someone of the event(s) that caused their PTSD. 

Our brains, Julie explains, are like closets with storage boxes full of memories. Typically, our brains process each experience we have and store them neatly. But with PTSD, our brains have trouble containing the memory. 

“When we have a trigger from something that has happened in our life,” Julie says, “our brain goes to that particular container and unsnaps the lid.” 

Triggers are unique to each person, but common triggers include hearing a loud noise or being touched unexpectedly. When triggered, those with PTSD feel they are back in that dangerous or frightening moment, causing flashbacks and extreme anxiety. 

But unlike generalized anxiety disorder, Julie explains, those with PTSD genuinely believe they are in active danger when triggered. 

“Immediately their brain goes into a fight, flight, or freeze response because that was their original emotional response,” Julie says. 

Developing proper coping skills is crucial for overcoming PTSD. 

“If I do have those skills,” Julie says, “then I can put the lid back on and deal with the trauma and process it. But if I don’t, then that’s when we start to get flashbacks and maybe even nightmares.” 

How therapy can help 

If you’re struggling with PTSD, a therapist can help you recognize and process your trauma so that you can better cope when experiencing a trigger. 

According to Julie, the two main methods of therapy for PTSD are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and processing (EMDR) therapy. 

CBT works by identifying and challenging the thoughts you have surrounding your trauma by talking through them. 

EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (stimuli that activate both sides of the brain) to reprocess your traumatic memory, changing the way your brain perceives and stores it. 

“After several sessions,” Julie says, “the memory has less of an emotional charge.” 

If you’re experiencing PTSD, there is hope