Studies show that persons with IDD experience trauma and stressful circumstances or events at higher rates than those without these disabilities. Often this trauma is directly related to their disabilities. In addition, due to these disabilities they often have a much more difficulty coping with these experiences and thus can develop PTSD.
WHAT IS PTSD?
Mayo Clinic defines PTSD as “a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include – flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.” We will take a deeper look at symptoms.
WHAT CAUSES PTSD?
As mentioned in the name and definition, the root of PTSD is TRAUMA.
Statistics on Sources of Trauma
Over 70% of people with disabilities report experiencing some kind of abuse.
90% of them reported that is has occurred more than once.
Only 37% of these incidents have been reported to the authorities
People with IDD are 7 times more likely to be sexually abuse than those without disabilities –NPR
People with disabilities are 2.5 times more likely to be victims of violent crime and
People with disabilities 40% more likely to have the perpetrators be someone they know (BJS statistics)
Types of Trauma
Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
Childhood neglect
Domestic Violence in the home
Community violence
Racism
Bullying
Social Exclusion
Neglect
Frequent changes in placement
Having a mental illness or living with someone that does. Sudden unexplained separation from a loved one. (death, divorce, move)
SYMPTOMS OF PTSD
Intrusive Memories
Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to triggers (something that reminds you of the traumatic event.)
Avoidance
Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Negative changes in thinking and mood
Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
Hopelessness about the future
Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
Difficulty maintaining close relationships
Feeling detached from family and friends
Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
Feeling emotionally numb
Changes in physical and emotional reactions
Being easily startled or frightened
Always being on guard for danger
Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
Trouble sleeping
Trouble concentrating
Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
Overwhelming guilt or shame
TREATMENT FOR PTSD
As with most of the conditions the best approach to treatment is a multilevel one. This typical includes some version of talk therapy and medication. There are a few other techniques they may also be utilized,
Talk Therapy – Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy
Medication – SSRI’s (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
Prolonged Exposure – teaches individuals to gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations. By facing them the individual realizes these memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy – Encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.
Getting Help for Yourself
As soon as you realize “things aren’t right” talk to someone. Reach out to those that are close to you, family, friends.
Talk to your Medical professional.
Consider seeking talk therapy
Learn to recognize and acknowledge triggers.
Learn and practice coping strategies when you encounter triggers or other emotional or behavioral responses to past trauma.
Recognize and acknowledge that you are NOT a victim, but an OVERCOMER!
Help and Support for a Loved One
Do NOT confront, them but caringly share with them what you are seeing and ask if they are OK.
Offer to provide any help or support they need, but do NOT push. (Pushing may lead to them shutting you out, or shutting down completely)
LISTEN – without judgement, acknowledge and validate their feelings.
Learn to recognize their triggers and offer support in getting through them.
Help them practice coping strategies when they encounter triggers or other emotional or behavioral responses to past trauma.
Remind them that they are NOT a victim, but an OVERCOMER!
