Different Symptoms?
Did you know that people who experience PTSD may experience different symptoms? Ok, perhaps you are saying - ‘No kidding, really?’ I mean it should be obvious that the things which cause PTSD are distinct for everyone, and not everyone who is exposed to trauma will develop symptoms, or perhaps will develop only some of the signs, and not all of them.
So? Let’s look at something else -
men and women can have distinct symptoms:
Since men and women are very different, they will tend to experience different symptoms related to PTSD, although this is not always the case.
women may experience avoiding things which can cause a triggering episode, whereas men may not avoid those trigger-points, which causes more (sometimes uncontrolled) anger which may manifest into actions (running away, throwing objects, violence, trembling/shaking).
Women may tend to avoid, but also may be closed off in situations which are uncomfortable. I have observed this in others with PTSD, even men, and even within myself with my own experiences and exposure to trauma and the developing PTSD from it.
Men also have difficulty dealing with emotions, but they do need to learn something - it is alright to not be alright. Even when the world gives the opposite message to them.
This is not my picture; I don’t own the rights to it.
Women can be jumpier with difficulty dealing with the emotions that the triggers or memories evoke.
What does this mean? Women may have more of a reactive-reaction to a memory or an emotion that brings forth a triggering memory.
In other words when a certain smell (taste, sound, etc.) invites the memory - they (not all of them, and not always) may become fearful and full of anxious thoughts which may cause a startle reaction. It can be frightening; it can be panic, and stress-filled - which may bring forth a jumpy reaction, they may become harsher in tone, very hypervigilant, they may become afraid that the event, the person who caused harm or whatever the memory and situation was - will take place again or is taking place at that moment - even though it is not.
men often become angrier, more hostile, and they may turn to alcohol, drugs or other destructive patterns to help them cope with their feelings.
Do you have any of these symptoms? Please know you are not alone. Seek help here on this website on the ABOUT section and the RESOURCES area or reach out to your primary care physician. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide - call someone you trust, call the suicide prevention hotline - you are not alone… 1-800-273-8255
You are loved
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You are loved 〰️
Lots of research has taken place over the years since Shellshock morphed into what we now call PTSD. Here is another factoid for you -
PTSD has no boundaries, no specific person-type, no culture is immune, it knows no hesitation in impacting millions of people; people like you and your neighbors, people like me, and the little child down the street who witnessed horrific things done to her mommy, people like your parents, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and - well - just people.
We must learn compassionate care in our responses to others if healing is possible. People need to know they are cared for, which becomes difficult in this time in which we live. People are oftentimes out to care for themselves and their immediate families, not the needs of others. I don’t say this in a negative manner, but merely as an observation. Trust me when I say there are a lot of decent and caring people and organizations out there who care deeply for the needs of others, and yet there are those who also can’t be bothered in caring over another person. Let’s be the type of person that reaches out and cares for the needs of others as best as we can - we can all show compassion, tenderness, mercies, hope…. let’s do that.
Listen to the words of Jesus -
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV).
Jesus showed such mercy and compassionate care on the cross where He died to take away the sin of the entire world. The world rejected Him, insulted Him, killed Him. He went willingly, with joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2 - the joy is you and I). He died for you. Do you hear me? He died for you, when you were despicable, unlovable, His enemy, and yet He died for you (Romans 5:8). He showed the ultimate love and compassion in His caring approach to those who hated Him.
I am learning daily to be more like my Lord Jesus. I fail daily, and miserably. He shows more grace. He is loving and kind. I want to be like that, and I would be blessed to show others that compassion.
What do you say? Even in my brokenness, I strive to be a compassionate caregiver like Jesus. Even in my PTSD episodes, I strive to walk closer to Him - even when I don’t feel like getting up, or being social, when my fog is at its worst, and the pain of hypervigilance sets in - I look to my Lord for compassion and grace. I don’t get it right a lot. I want to, so I need to keep looking in His eyes for compassion and grace which gives me strength and hope to press on.
The author of Hebrews says this -
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV).
Jesus, our great High Priest understands our suffering and sorrows (read Isaiah 53), He knows our struggles, and invites us - beckons us, pleads with us to come boldly (reverently) to Him in our time of need - and we will obtain mercy and grace!
Consider this in your own life. I know you have struggles, and I know that you hurt deeply - but Jesus loves you enough to be deeply wounded for your victory walk! He gave Himself all out for you, so you can be free from the burdens. Trust Him, give your life to Him. He will walk with you all the Way Home. He will comfort you; He will bring you hope and strength for a better tomorrow.