PTSD in Women

Posted July 5, 2021

Experiencing a dangerous, traumatic event can cause feelings of great fear and loss of control. It may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, which comprises continuous symptoms of anxiety, fear, and other stress reactions that can be disruptive to daily life. The more serious the event, the higher the risk of developing PTSD afterward. Occurring at any age, women with PTSD are more likely to develop physical health problems. Symptoms can include reliving the event through nightmares or flashbacks, feeling jittery or nervous, and having negative thoughts and feelings that make daily life challenging. It is highly unique and affects women differently than men. Women experiencing PTSD are more likely to become easily startled and experience depression and anxiousness.

Women who are victims of a trauma that leads to PTSD often hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional, and it is not uncommon for them to wait years to receive treatment. Sadly, PTSD in women is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed by health professionals because of a lack of training or time spent treating PTSD. Plains Area Mental Health takes pride in treating the whole person by assessing both mental health conditions as well as substance use disorder conditions. Call one of our offices today or take our free online assessment found on this website.

P.S. Trauma is common in women; five out of ten experience a traumatic event in their lifetimes.