Post-traumatic stress disorder is a widely misunderstood condition. Many people associate it exclusively with combat veterans, but PTSD can affect anyone who has lived through a terrifying, shocking or life-threatening experience. Car accidents, physical assaults, natural disasters, school violence and other frightening events can all leave lasting scars.
The warning signs of trauma aren’t always easy to recognize, especially in young men who habitually hide emotional pain. But the longer it goes unaddressed, the more damage it can do.
What Causes PTSD?
PTSD stems from your emotional and physiological response to what you went through. Due to differences in how trauma affects the brain’s stress-response system, two people can live through the same experience and walk away with completely different reactions. One person may resume their life as usual, while the other may become stuck in a constant loop of fear, anger or numbness.
Some people’s brains don’t process their traumatic memories in a healthy way. The resulting changes create a cycle of hypervigilance, flashbacks or emotional shutdown.
Events that can trigger PTSD include:
- Physical or sexual assault
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Natural disasters
- Serious car crashes
- Witnessing violence
- Sudden loss of a loved one
- Medical emergencies
- Repeated exposure to other people’s traumatic experiences, as seen among professionals like first responders
Lesser-Known Symptoms of PTSD
When people think of PTSD, they often picture someone having flashbacks or panic attacks. But trauma’s characteristics can also emerge in subtle or puzzling ways.
- Irritability or sudden anger: You might have a short fuse or get irrationally upset over seemingly minor issues.
- Emotional numbness: Some people feel detached from themselves or others, as if they’re watching life from the outside.
- Difficulty sleeping or relaxing: Nightmares, insomnia or an inability to “turn off” the mind are common.
- Avoidance: You may avoid people, places or conversations that remind you of what you went through.
- Hypervigilance: Constantly being on edge or startling easily can indicate an overactive stress response.
- Guilt or shame: Many traumatized people blame themselves for what happened, even if it wasn’t their fault.
- Substance use: Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may temporarily numb the pain or silence intrusive thoughts.
Overlapping PTSD and Substance Abuse
Co-occurring substance use disorders are widespread among people with PTSD. You might use alcohol to fall asleep faster or take drugs to escape distressing memories. But over time, the substance use creates a new set of problems – worsening the symptoms you were trying to avoid.
Medical professionals call this overlap a dual diagnosis. Simultaneously treating both conditions requires specialized, integrated care.
Healing From Trauma at PACE Recovery
At PACE Recovery, we understand the complexity of PTSD and how it intersects with addiction and mental health challenges in young men. Our trauma-informed treatment program helps clients:
- Identify and process the root causes of trauma
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms
- Replace self-destructive behaviors with empowering routines
- Discover a new purpose and identity
You don’t have to “tough it out” or mask your pain. We provide a safe space where men can explore their emotions without shame or judgment. At PACE, strength means showing up, being honest and putting in the work to get better.
Ready to Reclaim Your Life?
If you’re wondering whether PTSD affects your mental health, don’t ignore the signs. PACE’s master’s- and doctoral-level trauma therapists provide empathetic, evidence-based treatment for PTSD and related conditions, designed specifically for young men. Reach out to us today to learn how to heal and start feeling like yourself again.