Written by: Wendy Aporta, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In this article, we will delve into two interconnected mental health phenomena: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and dissociation.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD often emerges after you have undergone an intensely distressing event. This could range from a car accident to a natural disaster to situations of combat or assault. Symptoms often include:
Continual reliving of the event, almost like a replay
Disturbing dreams related to the event
A persistent heightened alertness or anticipation of danger
An inclination to avoid reminders of the event
Pervasive negative feelings about yourself or the world around you
What exactly is dissociation?
Dissociation is explained as moments when you feel detached from your immediate environment or even from yourself. It can feel as if you are observing events from outside your own body or as if your surroundings are not real. For many, dissociation can serve as a coping mechanism during overwhelming situations. However, excessive dissociation can complicate everyday life. A more intricate form of dissociation might even make your feel as if you possess and operate among multiple personalities.
The link between PTSD and dissociation
Individuals with PTSD can experience bouts of dissociation quite frequently. This can be a mind's strategy to navigate the intense emotions related to traumatic memories. However, it is essential to understand that while dissociation serves as a temporary reprieve, over time it can hinder the healing process. It might lead to challenges in recalling or addressing those traumatic memories and can even affect interpersonal relationships.
How can one address these concerns?
Fortunately, there are several avenues for assistance, including but not limited to the following:
Therapy: This offers a structured environment to discuss, comprehend, and learn how to manage feelings and reactions.
Medication: For some people, medications can help mitigate the more intense symptoms.
Self-care: Regular routines like exercise, relaxation exercises, and proper sleep can substantially aid in managing symptoms.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or dissociation symptoms, it’s imperative to seek assistance from trusted individuals or professionals. Healing is a journey that requires time and patience, and a professional trained to specialize in the treatment of PTSD can help you along that journey. The most important thing to remember and believe is that you are not alone. Support is always available. Stay informed and ask for help if you need it. Your well-being matters.
Wendy Aporta, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Wendy Aporta is a marriage and family therapist who specializes in military and first responder individuals, families, and couples. She is proficient with clients experiencing PTSD and DID. For her, helping those with traumatic experience is not just a job, it is a vocation. Her most frequent modalities are Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). However, she is experienced in other modalities, including CBT, IFS, and SFBT, and utilizes whatever is best for her client's needs. She is a perpetual student of trauma, constantly staying abreast of the latest research and treatments to provide the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Research references from the article "A Closer Look: PTSD and Dissociation":
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). Washington, DC: Author. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
Brancu, M., Mann-Wrobel, M., Beckham J.C., Wagner, H. R., Elliott, A., Robbins. A.T., Wong, M., Berchuck, A.E., & Runnals, J.J. (2016). Subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder: A Meta-analytic review of DSM-IV prevalence and a proposed DSM-5 approach to measurement. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 8(2), 222-232. doi:10.1037/tra0000078
Dawson, R.L, Calear, A.L. McCallum, S.M. McKenna, S., Nixon. R.D.V., & O’Kearney, R. (2021). Expousre-based writing therapies for subthreshold and clinical posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 34, 81-91. doi: 10.1002/jts.22596
Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617-627. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15939837/
Ressler, K.J., Berretta, S., Bolshakov, V.Y., Rosso, I.M., Meloni, E.G., Rauch. S.L., Carelzon Jr., W. A. (2022). Posttraumatic stress disorder: clinical and translation neuroscience from cells to circuits. National Review of Neurology, 18(5), 273-288. doi: 10.1038/s41582-022-00635-8
Please note that these are just a few examples of research references on PTSD and dissociation. There are many other studies that have been conducted on this topic.
