June 27th was National Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day. PTSD can occur in a person after they experience or witness a traumatic event. This event may be a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape, sexual violence, serious injury, or an instance of being threatened with death.
This is not to be confused with vicarious trauma. Vicarious trauma is the experience of trauma symptoms that result from being repeatedly exposed to other peoples’ trauma and their stories of traumatic events.
Moreover, statistics show that while 70 percent of adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, only 20 percent of people who experience a traumatic event will develop PTSD. About 8 million people have PTSD in the United States, which is about 3.5 percent of the population.
PTSD can affect anyone, including adults, teens, and children of any ethnicity, nationality, or culture. However, PTSD is more common in women compared to men.
That being said, it is important to be aware that some of your residents could be experiencing symptoms of PTSD. These symptoms may include: anxiety, changes in mood or thinking, heightened reactivity, insomnia or nightmares, intrusive thoughts or memories, and avoidance or social isolation.
Here are some steps you can help your residents take to reduce and cope with PTSD symptoms:
- Practicing mindfulness which can help to calm the mind and body.
- Exercising which can help the mind relieve feelings of stress.
- Journaling which can provide a consistent place to go back to in order to express thoughts and feelings, as well as to process experiences.
- Spending time with people which can enhance one’s mood and outlook on their life and prevent them from socially isolating.
- Attending therapy which can help to offer support and guidance through recovery.
- Making lifestyle changes which can help to eliminate or minimize risks that may interrupt the recovery and healing process.
As always, be mindful of residents and people around you as they may be going through something such as PTSD.