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PTSD: Truth or a Lie?

Written By: Jessica Guo

Introduction

Which do you choose to follow, your brain or your heart? Which one is lying, and which one is telling the truth? The human mind is more than a complex organ that allows for movement and function; just like how the heart not only beats for us but serves as an analogy between our romantic and spiritual connections. Beyond the brain connected to the emotional and cognitive aspects of our being, it also plays a major role in our decision making and thought process when it comes to human interactions. 

This concept is true for all of us. When it comes to feelings, expressing emotions, and even our imagination, our brain is the center of it all, helping to regulate and process information. From your notes taken in math class to reading the clock on the far side of the classroom, the brain is like a powerhouse machine, only it’s a part of us. However, the human mind can sometimes reach capacity, leading to trauma, or a response to an extremely stressful situation. What does this mean? When a person experiences and digests an overwhelming amount of information they cannot handle, their body naturally reacts to protect them, such as numbing the senses or making them alert. While experiencing trauma is normal, having it for an abnormally long period of time can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.

 What is PTSD?

So what is PTSD? According to mayoclinic.org, “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s caused by an extremely stressful or terrifying event — either being part of it or witnessing it” (mayoclinic). A person with PTSD will struggle to adjust in their environment and cope with loved ones. There are various factors that can contribute to PTSD.  While the presence of PTSD varies for each individual, it can sometimes take from several minutes to a few years for PTSD to noticeably appear within the time frame of the traumatic event. Some signs or symptoms of PTSD include:

Even though this list covers major symptoms that are common in PTSD, there are many other signs that can trace back to this disorder. 

What Does This Mean For Teens?

The Compass Health Center states that 1 in 4 teenagers will have experienced a traumatic event by the age of 16. What do these stats mean? Around 25% of teens can possibly experience PTSD before they even reach adulthood. PTSD can affect teen mental health significantly, from altering relationships to interfering with daily lifestyle. Mental health is critical for all human beings; it’s important for us to maintain and balance our overall health and relationships with others. Younger children and adolescents are more prone to mental health disorders than at any other age, especially when they begin or are in the process of development and growth. Therefore, when a youth is experiencing PTSD, he/she can suffer major consequences in both physical and mental health. PTSD victims will often lash out at random and lack control over their feelings. At times, overexposure to PTSD and  lack of treatment can lead to consumption of drugs and exposure to other harmful activities that can negatively impact physical and mental health, such as smoking.

 PTSD doesn’t just affect the individuals themselves though. Other drawbacks of PTSD include the victim(s) harming others around them. Parents, for example, are a huge part of a young individual’s life. They play a role in raising youth and helping them develop to the best of their abilities. When an adolescent experiences PTSD, this can have a tremendous effect on close ones, such as siblings or friends. Individuals struggling with PTSD can abuse boundaries between themselves and others as a result of emotional overdrive/outbursts. People affected by PTSD will also experience problems related to communication and trust when it comes to social interactions, which may be difficult especially if a person is struggling to cope with social anxiety and tends to avoid any forms of interaction.

Treatments/Solutions

While treatments for PTSD individuals vary, there are several major medical treatments that are common for patients with PTSD:

However, when it comes to healing at a personal level, meditation, taking medications, and giving yourself time and space from others can help significantly. It is perfectly OK to disconnect from others and establish boundaries for yourself, especially if you recognize any unhealthy, toxic relationships or simply need a break from socializing to heal yourself. Adjusting to healthy diets and setting good habits can also be beneficial to your physical and mental well being by boosting self esteem and promoting positive development. Practicing hobbies and things you enjoy can also serve as a support system and provide comfort during complicated and overwhelming situations. Most importantly, understanding what is best for you in recovery is key to understanding both your condition and yourself.

Key Takeaways:

In the end, life is not always perfect. Everyone has their own hurdles to jump through; their own obstacles to overcome. PTSD is just one of millions of mental health disorders that can affect anyone worldwide. Whether you choose to follow your brain, heart, or both, it always comes down to the ultimate choice: if it is a truth or a lie. 

PTSD is not a lie—it is a very real condition that affects millions of people, including teens. However, with understanding, continuous support, and proper treatment, healing is a possibility for all of us, PTSD or not. Although the mind may struggle with trauma, and the heart may feel like an unbearable weight, neither is intended to deceive us. Instead, a combination of both brain and heart helps us navigate through our experiences, shaping our character as individuals and what we stand for. By providing support systems for those experiencing mental health disorders, we can help lift others up and create a world full of positivity where there are no lies and false truths between us. Whichever path you choose, the proof of reality remains: PTSD is a truth none of us can escape, but so is the hope and possibility in overcoming it.

Call For Help:

“In life-threatening situations, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you are suicidal or in emotional distress, consider using the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Call or text 988 or start a chat online  to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress” (NIMH).

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, March 30). Brain: Anatomy, Development and Function. Retrieved from Cleveland Clinic website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22638-brain

Compass Health Center. (2024, May 8). Retrieved from Compass Health Center website: https://compasshealthcenter.net/blog/teen-mental-health-statistics/

Gillette, H. (2023, April 14). How Many Trauma-Related Disorders Are There? Retrieved from Healthline website: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/trauma-related-disorders#takeaway

How PTSD Affects the Quality of Your Life. (2020). Retrieved February 14, 2025, from Psychology Today website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-ptsd/202006/how-ptsd-affects-the-quality-your-life?msockid=2a7bc2c6b2a0650e10b0d613b332647a

Mayo Clinic. (2024, August 16). Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967

National Institute of Mental Health. (2017). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved from National Institute of Mental Health website: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

nhnscr. (2023, May 9). Understanding the Human Mind: An Overview of Psychology. Retrieved from National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource website: https://www.nhnscr.org/blog/understanding-the-human-mind-an-overview-of-psychology/

Shaikh, A. (2024, December 22). The Pressure to Hustle: How You Can Cope With Burnout. Retrieved February 14, 2025, from Mind4Youth website: https://mind4youth.com/2024/12/22/the-pressure-to-hustle-how-you-can-cope-with-burnout/

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