PTSD
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder affecting those who have experienced a traumatic event. The National Institute of Mental Health defines a traumatic event as, “a shocking, scary, or dangerous experience that can affect someone emotionally and physically.”(2024, para. 1). Bullying, domestic violence, sexual assault, war, and terrorism are examples of traumatic events.
Experiencing a traumatic event can change the structure and function of the brain even after the event has happened. Post-traumatic stress is reoccurring fear, flashbacks, or intense stress – without any actual threat. (Medical News Today, 2024, para. 2). The disorder takes memories and applies them to current circumstances. Medical News Today states, “Anything that loosely reminds the brain of the specific trauma can become triggering, resulting in symptoms that seem as though the trauma is occurring again.”(para. 5).
The brain can be divided into the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. Structures within the three parts include the amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, nervous system, and anterior cingulate cortex. These structures affect how the brain processes events. When an event occurs, the brain shuts off a certain mind and body process to help manage it. The sympathetic nervous system increases the amount of stress hormones, putting the body into flight, fight, or freeze mode.” (Medical News Today, para 10). When the brain perceives a threat, the amygdala initiates the automatic reaction of the fight or flight response.
The amygdala acts as the alarm that sounds when something poses a danger. This alarm prepares your body to respond by dealing with or getting away from the threat.” (Very Well Mind, 2024, para. 18). The prefrontal cortex determines if the body should stay hypervigilant or begin calming down. This part of the brain, “acts as a braking system that helps return your body to a normal state when you realize that the threat doesn’t pose a danger or after the threat has passed.” (para. 20). PTSD causes the amygdala to be hyperactive and the medial prefrontal cortex to become hypoactive.
Treatments for PTSD can target the emotional and cognitive symptoms of the condition. For example, using approved medications or therapy techniques can guide someone toward healing. Additionally, quality sleep, regular exercise, and practicing mindfulness can help manage and work towards resolving symptoms. Echoing Hills is devoted to trauma-informed care specific to each individual. Individuals are the heart of our ministry, and we desire to love them by honoring their right to choice.
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
https://www.brainline.org/article/how-ptsd-affects-brain
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-does-ptsd-affect-the-brain#ptsd-effects-on-the-
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-exactly-does-ptsd-do-to-the-brain-2797210
