5 PTSD Symptoms Women Experience
PTSD doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t latch on to women or men more. When anyone goes through a traumatic experience, it can impact them for years to come.
But that doesn’t mean men and women experience PTSD the exact same way. Some symptoms of the disorder tend to be the same no matter who is dealing with it. Things like flashbacks, fear, and bad memories are common in both men and women.
However, women tend to exhibit a few more specific symptoms. Understanding those symptoms and how they manifest is important because it can give you a clearer insight into whether you’re actually struggling with PTSD or something else.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five PTSD symptoms women experience and how you can get the help you deserve if you’re dealing with the lasting effects of trauma.
1. Easily Startled
Women dealing with PTSD tend to be more easily startled than men. They might become hypervigilant and constantly worry about potential threats — even when none exist.
If you find yourself looking around every corner or checking behind your shoulder to make sure you’re safe, it could be a sign of PTSD.
You might also jump when you hear a loud noise or when someone approaches unexpectedly. That kind of jumpiness can easily lead to anxiety, making it difficult to find a moment of peace throughout the day.
2. Avoiding Reminders
No one who has gone through a traumatic event wants to be reminded of the experience. But, women tend to be more likely to go out of their way to avoid trauma reminders. That might include avoiding certain areas or situations just to keep painful memories at bay.
There’s nothing wrong with trying to minimize triggers, especially if they are hard for you to deal with. But reminders shouldn’t control your life or make you feel like a prisoner as you go through the day.
3. Emotional Numbness
Some people might think women would be more likely to showcase their emotions after going through something traumatic. But, it’s actually more likely that women will experience numbness or a sense of emptiness.
You might lose interest in hobbies and activities you used to enjoy. You might even pull back from relationships with friends and family because of that empty feeling. The inability to find joy or contentment in things can be extremely lonely and isolating, putting you at risk of other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
4. Physical Signs of Stress
While PTSD is a mental health disorder, it can manifest itself physically. It’s not uncommon for women with PTSD to have difficulty sleeping or dealing with things like stomach issues, headaches, and muscle pain.
Obviously, these physical issues can negatively impact your overall quality of life, making it difficult to get through a single day without being reminded of the trauma causing the ailments.
5. Guilt and Shame
Women are more likely to deal with self-esteem issues while struggling with PTSD. You might find yourself feeling guilty about your trauma. You might even blame yourself for what happened, even if it was completely out of your control.
Again, that kind of negative self-talk can lead to other mental health issues. It can also make getting the help you deserve difficult because you don’t feel “worthy” of moving on.
Do what you can to fight back against those thoughts. Everyone experiencing PTSD deserves help and deserves to live a life free from fear.
If these symptoms sound familiar and you’ve been trying to move past your trauma for some time, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Trauma Counseling or EMDR therapy is a great way to manage your daily symptoms and eventually overcome the effects of trauma.