Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Can Happen to Anyone

Continuing with the idea that we are not our diagnoses, we want to discuss post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD has gone by many names: shell shock, soldier’s heart, combat fatigue, and war neurosis, to name a few. By looking at historical terms, it might appear as if it only affects soldiers fighting or refugees fleeing war. However, PTSD can happen to anyone.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in individuals who have experienced some type of trauma in their lives. By trauma, we mean a shocking or dangerous event that their minds were unable to process completely. 

It’s perfectly normal to feel scared in these types of situations. In fact, the body often naturally reacts by releasing hormones triggering a “fight-flight-or-freeze” response. Usually, these feelings will dissipate after the threat has passed. 

However, individuals suffering from PTSD continue to feel this reaction when exposed to events that remind them of their original trauma. For example, a veteran who saw combat may be triggered by the sound of fireworks or a car backfiring.

Treating PTSD at Barn Life Recovery in Orange County, CA

Barn Life does a very good job at facilitating an atmosphere that is a safe place to share and deal with trauma. Some of our clients have had some really scary things happen to them in their lives. Barn Life staff work very hard to build a rapport with every single person who comes into the program to feel safe, heard, and not judged. 

Our facility is a special place with dedicated and caring people who are very good at reaching our clients who are struggling. It is important to continue to bring out those uncomfortable topics like someone’s trauma that they are terrified to discuss. 

Our clients come in giving all their power to their trauma. However, it is our continued role in their lives to show them they are in more control than they believe.