Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, most commonly known as PTSD, is a mental health disorder triggered by traumatic events. While doctors don’t know for sure what causes this disorder, they do know that exposure to terrifying events can increase the risk of developing it. Here are some of the most common events that lead to PTSD.
When people think of PTSD, they think of the military. Therefore, it is no surprise that combat exposure is one of the most common things that can cause the development of this disorder. Soldiers experience a number of traumatic and stressful events during battle, including seeing dead, losing loved ones, being shot at/attacked/ambushed.
Many people are often surprised to learn that abuse and trauma from childhood can lead to PTSD as an adult. Often it does not appear for many years. Early life trauma is a major risk factor for this disorder, whether it’s mental, sexual, or physical abuse as a child.
Did you know that women are actually twice as likely to develop PTSD compared to men? A major reason for this is that women are more likely to be a victim of sexual violence. Sexual assault, rape, and molestation are common factors that cause PTSD to develop.
Other common events that can increase one’s risk of developing PTSD are physical assaults or threats with a weapon. This can include events such as muggings, kidnapping, robbery, or threats at gunpoint.
Many people may not understand just how traumatic it can be to go through a major natural disaster. Hurricanes, floods, fires, and earthquakes can all be traumatic and trigger PTSD.
A major accident can be a big cause of PTSD. Car crashes, plane crashes, explosions, or terrorist attacks are all traumatic. Many people don’t realize until later how these events impacted them.
Although PTSD often associates with the military, there are many other careers that have high rates of this disorder. First responders, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and doctors have high rates of mental health issues. They face traumatic events quite regularly.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD please contact us.
Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day. Dr. Rodriguez founded the Delray Center in 2003 and built it on a foundation of core clinical, professional, and ethical principles that are adhered to still to this day.