Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed something frightening or dangerous. Contrary to popular misconception, it doesn’t only impact military veterans – it can also result from childhood abuse, physical violence, accidents, natural disasters or any other situation that made you feel threatened or powerless.
June is PTSD Awareness Month, designed to call attention to how this condition affects people – especially men, who often fly under the radar in conversations about mental health. Recognizing PTSD symptoms in men is critical for dismantling the harmful stereotypes that keep men from asking for the support they need.
PTSD Can Affect Anyone – But It Manifests Differently in Men
PTSD symptoms vary widely from person to person, but men and women often express them differently. Women are about twice as likely to receive a PTSD diagnosis, partly because they are more vulnerable to experiencing events like abuse and sexual assault from a young age, which can manifest over time through overt anxiety and depression.
In contrast, men may:
- Express distress through irritable, angry or violent outbursts
- Shut down emotionally or avoid discussing their feelings
- Use alcohol and drugs to cope
- Act out through risky or self-destructive behaviors
- Mask internal struggles with nightmares, flashbacks, or hypervigilance
- Have insomnia or recurring nightmares
- Become numb, detached or “checked out”
- Avoid people, places or conversations that remind them of what they went through
- Lose interest in hobbies
- Have trouble with intimacy, trust or forming close relationships
Because these behaviors can masquerade as typical male traits – like stoicism, aggression or emotional detachment – PTSD in men might go unnoticed for years.
Breaking Your Silence
Failing to recognize the signs of PTSD in men prevents them from accessing life-changing treatment – and reinforces the false belief that they need to “tough it out.”
Misidentified or misdiagnosed PTSD can have severe consequences:
- You may become addicted if you regularly self-medicate with substances.
- Your relationships may deteriorate due to emotional withdrawal or volatility.
- Physical health can decline due to chronic stress and poor self-care.
- A fear of asking for help or a belief that you must handle your pain alone may make you feel increasingly isolated.
- Suicidal ideation or depression may emerge when your emotions become too overwhelming to manage.
It’s OK to Be Vulnerable
A damaging cultural narrative says men should be detached, unemotional, and self-reliant. Don’t let toxic masculinity discourage you from reaching out for support. Remember, trying to pretend the pain away will only keep you stuck until you’re willing to confront the truth and deal with it head-on. Whether you grapple with flashbacks, panic, rage or emotional numbness, we are here for you at PACE Recovery.
We specialize in helping young men heal from co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Our single-gender environment allows men to speak openly and authentically about their experiences with PTSD and other challenges – without judgment or pressure to live up to unrealistic expectations.
Our program offers:
- Trauma-informed therapy to help you process painful memories and develop emotional resilience
- Group and individual counseling that focuses on healthy emotional expression
- Dual-diagnosis care for those dealing with co-occurring PTSD and addiction
- Life skills development, fitness and recreational activities to promote holistic healing
- A welcoming community of peers who understand what you’re going through
You Deserve to Heal
Asking for help means you have the courage to change your life for the better. This PTSD Awareness Month, we encourage men everywhere to take their mental health seriously. Reach out to us today if you’re ready to overcome your trauma.
