Post-traumatic stress disorder affects 3.5% of adults every year. While women are twice as likely to incur PTSD, men still are susceptible to it–especially if you experienced a traumatic event or have a dangerous job. This guide examines the causes of PTSD in men, symptoms displayed, and treatment options available.
What Causes Men to Have PTSD?
Often, men experience post-traumatic stress disorder after:
- Witnessing a horrific event like murder or accident.
- Suffering verbal, sexual, or physical abuse.
- Experiencing combat as a member of the military.
- Working as a first responder, where the nature of the job involves helping people in terrifying and life-threatening situations.
- Working as a police officer puts people in contact with abuse victims and traumatizing experiences.
- Surviving a life-threatening event.
PTSD Symptoms in Men
Typically, symptoms fall into one of these four categories:
Intrusive Thoughts
It is common for men to relive their experiences through flashbacks, nightmares, and other memories. The memory can be so vivid you feel like you are back in the event again. Moreover, you might experience triggers like noises or words that draw you back to the traumatic event. A car backfiring might mimic gunshots, or the wail of police sirens might catalyze thoughts of a bad accident.
Disassociation
Men with PTSD might avoid any scenario that makes them address this memory. It can include places, similar events (like driving), and people.
Alterations in Mood
Men might have feelings of guilt, frustration, and fear. They might blame themselves for what happened. Furthermore, their experience might make them feel like they cannot trust anyone. If you have PTSD, you may revert away from people you know or activities you like.
Changes in Behavior
Those with PTSD might be prone to bursts of irritability, be overly protective, and engage in self-destructive behaviors like drinking. It can also lead to a decrease in sleep quality and concentration.
Do PTSD Symptoms Go Away on Their Own?
You might experience PTSD within three months after the traumatic event happened. However, in other instances, memories might surface years later.
It is common for symptoms of PTSD to vary in intensity over time. However, the behavior patterns formed to combat this disorder could live longer than the memories do. To illustrate, you attempt to self-medicate to avoid these feelings and memories through drinking. It is why being proactive in receiving treatment for PTSD can help alleviate these symptoms and lead to more promising outcomes.
Help Tailored to Your Needs
If you want to talk about your PTSD symptoms, feel free to reach out to our admissions counselors. We’ll help you learn about all the treatment options available to you.
