About 5 out of every 100 adults (or 5%) in the U.S. has PTSD in any given year. In 2020, about 13 million Americans had PTSD.
PTSD is most common in women, followed by children. . .
There has been little acknowledgement regarding the fact that women are the highest demographic in the US with PTSD, a market that has yet to be explored for treatment despite the dire need for such services.
Since PTSD causes a high probability of comorbidities, such as high blood pressure, insomnia, panic attacks, depression, anxiety, memory impairment, chronic pain, tachycardia, involuntary muscle spasms, and night terrors, most patients require medication to manage their symptoms in tandem with psychotherapy. It is therefore important to see a therapist who is experienced in guiding a patient through managing their medication in tandem with psychotherapy.
We don’t know the exact number of people who have PTSD. There are reasons why it is difficult to have an exact or up-to-date count:
- There is no single study that asks everyone about PTSD.
- If a study asks people if they have ever been diagnosed with PTSD, they may not remember. Or they may not have ever talked to a doctor about their trauma or symptoms, so did not get diagnosed.
- If a study measures trauma history and symptoms in the present moment, all types of people need to be in that study to have good data. If the data is collected from a sample of people who are not representative of all Americans, then we won’t have good estimates.
- At different points in time—like during a war or pandemic, or in a year with multiple natural disasters—more people may be at risk of PTSD because more people are experiencing traumatic events.
PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. It’s not limited to any specific group or demographic. However, some populations might be more susceptible to developing PTSD due to various factors:
WOMEN
Women make up most people in the United States with PTSD. Since women are the main target of domestic abuse and sexual assault, their suffering is also accompanied by layers of shame, self-blame, and other nuances that require attuned care from their mental health and medical providers.
CHILdren
Children, the second largest cohort of PTSD survivors, are often the victims of molestation, incest, physical abuse, bullying, and witness to domestic violence. These cases require child and adolescent therapists and specialized doctors.
Military & first responders
The most closely associated demographic with PTSD are military personnel and first responders including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and anyone who is the first to the scene of an emergency and potentially life-threatening event.
Therapy can be highly effective in helping individuals with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) by providing them with tools and strategies to cope with their symptoms, process traumatic memories, and regain a sense of control over their lives. Here’s how Park Ave can help:
Trauma Processing
Therapists trained in trauma-focused approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), can guide individuals through the process of safely confronting and processing traumatic memories. This can help reduce the emotional charge and distress associated with these memories.
Coping Skills
Therapists teach practical coping skills that individuals can use to manage symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and irritability. These skills might include relaxation techniques, mindfulness, grounding exercises, and controlled breathing.
Cognitive Restructuring
CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that stem from the trauma. By changing these thought patterns, individuals can gradually change how they respond to triggers and stressors.
Exposure Therapy
Under the guidance of a therapist, individuals are exposed to triggers or situations that remind them of the trauma in a safe and controlled manner. Over time, this exposure helps desensitize them to these triggers and reduces their anxiety response.
Psychoeducation
Learning about the nature of PTSD, common symptoms, and the body’s stress response can help individuals normalize their experiences and reduce self-blame.
Prevention of Secondary Effects
Addressing PTSD early through therapy can prevent or reduce the development of other mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse, which can sometimes arise as a result of untreated PTSD.
It’s important to note that different therapies might work better for different individuals, and a therapist will tailor the approach based on the individual’s needs and preferences. Additionally, seeking professional help is crucial, as trained therapists can provide guidance, monitor progress, and ensure that the therapy process is safe and effective.
If you would like to schedule a consultation for PTSD Therapy, please reach out today.
PArk Ave MHC
Online Mental Health Counseling by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers.
lauren@parkavetherapy.com