Statistics suggest that women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD at some point in their lives.
They also tend to experience these symptoms for longer periods and are more sensitive to reminders of their trauma.
Learn more about some of the key signs of PTSD in women.
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Signs and Symptoms
Its normal to feel upset, anxious, or frightened after something traumatic happens.
PTSD is marked by feelings of distress, anxiety, and reliving the traumatic event.
People sometimes avoid anything that might remind them of the trauma they endured.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
People who have PTSD also have an increased risk for suicide.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
One study found that thought avoidance was one of the most common PTSD symptoms among women.
Hyperarousal
Hyperarousalis another key symptom of PTSD that involves a heightened state of anxiety.
Research suggests that women tend to experience this symptom more frequently than men.
Emotional Numbness
Emotional numbnessinvolves shutting down feelings that may be overwhelming or highly distressing.
Complications and Comorbidities
Other conditions may be confused with PTSD or may even occur alongside the condition.
Why Women Experience PTSD Differently
Why do men and women tend to experience PTSD differently?
One theory centers on the different ways that men and women tend to experience mental health problems.
Women, on the other hand, average four years between the start of symptoms and diagnosis.
Untreated PTSD can have serious consequences in terms of both physical and mental health.
Women may also experience physical symptoms such as stomach issues, sexual dysfunction, and headaches.
Such stigma often arises due to the number of myths and misconceptions about the disorder.
Sexual assault, domestic violence, natural disasters, and child abuse are all situations that can cause PTSD.
Sometimes people dont need to actually experience the trauma themselves.
Witnessing a traumatic event can also lead to the onset of the condition.
Some of the symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety and avoidance, can actually grow worse over time.
This is why getting an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are so important.
Symptoms of PTSD can be debilitating and take a serious toll on a person’s well-being.
The symptoms of PTSD can be incredibly distressing, painful, and challenging for several reasons.
This doesn’t mean that people who have the condition are violent or pose a danger to others.
Anyone can develop the condition because it is linked to changes in how the brain works.
These changes are not something you might control, nor usewillpowerto overcome.
Because women may experience more internalizing symptoms, the signs of the condition may be harder to spot.
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