Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition that’s more prevalent in women than men. Women are two to three times more likely to develop symptoms of PTSD than men. Recognizing the signs of PTSD in women can take some time, but learning about the condition can help you better understand what they’re going through and how to help.
Recovery Ranch PA supports women who are struggling with PTSD and want help in treating their symptoms. Our programs are customized to your unique symptoms and reasons behind the disorder. Healing from trauma is possible through our comprehensive PTSD treatment program. Call 717.969.9126 today to schedule a consultation and tour of our discreet center.
How Do Women Develop PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder was once thought of as a condition that only affected soldiers returning from wartime. Today, it’s recognized as a common mental health issue that affects millions of men and women each year.
PTSD is caused by:
- Experiencing combat
- Natural disasters
- Serious accidents
- Physical or sexual assault
- Childhood or domestic abuse
- Serious health problems
- Childhood experiences
- The sudden death of a loved one
The reason women are two to three times more likely to develop this condition is due to domestic violence or sexual assault. They’re also more likely to experience trauma within relationships or experience more chronic trauma, such as long-term physical or sexual abuse. Women struggling with PTSD may experience symptoms such as being easily startled, feeling emotionally numb or having difficulty expressing emotions, struggling with depression and anxiety, engaging in substance abuse, and avoiding anything that reminds them of the trauma.
While there’s no cure for the condition, there are several treatment options available. Behavioral therapy is one of the top ways of treating PTSD symptoms and gives women better coping skills to manage their symptoms.
Recognizing the Signs of PTSD in Women
Recognizing the signs of PTSD in women is the first step to understanding and supporting their mental health. Here are some common indicators to look out for.
Intrusive Memories
One of the trademark symptoms of PTSD is intrusive or unwanted, distressing memories of the trauma that originally took place. For women, this can mean reliving the trauma as if it’s happening all over again, having upsetting dreams and nightmares, or severe emotional distress or a physical reaction to something that reminds them of the trauma.
Avoidance
Avoidance is a common way that people with PTSD try to deal with their symptoms. It can include avoiding conversations about the trauma, staying away from locations associated with the events, or avoiding certain people altogether. If left untreated, it can cause isolation and depression.
Negative Thoughts and Thinking
Post-traumatic stress disorder can cause women to experience negative thoughts and thinking and changes in mood. They can have negative thoughts about themselves or other people around them. This can show up as:
- Ongoing negative emotions of fear, blame, guilt, anger, or shame
- Memory problems include not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Not being interested in activities you once enjoyed
- Having a difficult time feeling happy
- Feeling emotionally numb
Physical characteristics caused by PTSD include always being on guard for danger and self-destructive habits, like substance abuse, taking risks, or driving too fast. It can also cause you to experience insomnia, have trouble concentrating, and feel angry, irritable, or out of control.
Enroll in a PTSD Treatment Program at Recovery Ranch PA
Recovery Ranch PA offers compassionate support to women navigating the challenges of PTSD. If you or someone you care about could benefit from our specialized PTSD treatment program, contact our team online or call 717.969.9126 today.