Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a life-threatening or distressing event. Many people have heard of PTSD, but there are still misconceptions about what it is and how we can support those affected in our community.
The Manet Behavioral Health team wants to help raise awareness and clear up some common misunderstandings:
- PTSD doesn’t only affect military service members.
While veterans are at higher risk, PTSD can affect anyone at any age. It may result from various types of traumas, such as assault, serious accidents, or disasters, whether experienced directly or witnessed.
- PTSD symptoms rarely go away on their own.
Symptoms can get worse over time if left untreated. The good news is that effective treatment is available and can improve quality of life, even for trauma that occurred years ago. It’s never too late to seek help.
- Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD.
While PTSD always stems from trauma, not all trauma results in PTSD. Still, anyone struggling with trauma-related symptoms deserves support. You don’t need a diagnosis to get help.
If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or trauma and are a Manet patient or would like to establish care at Manet, call your site or join open access hours to connect or reconnect with our behavioral health services.
If you are not a Manet patient, the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) offers 24/7 support and access to the full range of mental health and substance use services in Massachusetts in over 200 languages.
- Call or text: 833-773-2445 (BHHL)
- Chat online: masshelpline.com
Reference: US Department of Veterans Affairs. National Center for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp