PTSD Affects Everyone.

Facts

• 1 in 11 people have been affected by PTSD at some point in their lives
• Women are twice as likely to develop PTSD than men
• PTSD can develop immediately or years later.
• PTSD alters the brain structures like the amygdala – which is your fear response, the hippocampus – which is memory, and prefrontal cortex – which is decision making.
• PTSD has been linked to increased cortisol and adrenaline – which affects sleep, digestion, and immune function.

Not everyone who experiences trauma, will develop PTSD.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

Who’s at Risk?

• Survivors – of violence, abuse, or accidents
• Veterans and First responders
• Children exposed to neglect or family violence
• People in marginalized communities facing systemic trauma

APA, 2013

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6–7

What about BIPOC?

PTSD affects all; however, Black Americans have a higher lifetime prevalence of PTSD compared to White, Hispanic, and Asian Americans (Pumariega et al., 2022). Why? Well Black Americans tend to have unique trauma risks such as racial trauma. Racial trauma is a significant contributor to PTSD in Black and minority communities and it stems from experiences with discrimination, macroaggressions, and hate crimes. Additional risk factors such as intergenerational trauma, community violence and environment, and police brutality all disproportionately affect Black and Brown populations.

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1

PTSD Prevention Strategies

While PTSD may not always be preventable, especially when faced with unexpected trauma, strategies and protective factors are able to reduce the risk of developing it and/or lessen its severity.

Early Intervention – Seek support quickly after a traumatic event, Normalize emotional response, and Avoid isolation!

Be sure to talk to a trusted person or mental health professional if experienced or witness a traumatic event. Identify and name your feelings without judgment. Also, stay connected with others of support to reduce the long-term distress.

Build Resilience – Develop healthy coping skills, Strengthen your social network, and Practice problem solving and stress management techniques.

Be sure to adopt healthy coping skills like journaling, mindfulness through meditation or prayer, and exercise. Strengthen your social support of community with friends, family, and other social groups. Continue to engage with others and activities. Lastly, practice techniques surrounding problem-solving and stress management.

Trauma-Informed Care and Mental Health Education – Learn the signs of PTSD, encourage and engage in open conversations, and create safe and supportive environments.

Be sure to train in trauma informed practices if you’re a professional such as a first responder and health care worker. Learn the signs of PTSD and have open conversations about mental health; especially in communities where the stigma is high.

Protective Lifestyle Habits – maintain healthy sleep, nutrition, and physical activity practices. Limit alcohol and substance use, and practice spiritual grounding.

Be sure to maintain regular sleep, eating, and physical activity. Alcohol and other substances can worsen symptoms, so be mindful of your intake. Also, its best to practice activities that keep you grounded and centered: mindfulness, meditation, and prayer allows you to achieve this!

NeuroLaunch, 2024

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” – Romans 8:18