Understanding PTSD: Breaking Down the Overused and Misunderstood Term

by | PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a term that has increasingly entered mainstream conversations, often used casually to describe stressful situations or lingering distress after a difficult experience. While awareness of trauma-related struggles is important, the overuse of PTSD as a catch-all phrase has led to misconceptions about the condition itself. PTSD is a serious mental health disorder, one that carries complex symptoms and requires proper understanding and support—not just as a buzzword, but as a deeply impactful condition that affects millions worldwide. Unlike temporary stress or sadness, PTSD persists and interferes with daily life, affecting thoughts, emotions, and even physical health. It is officially classified in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders) and requires a specific set of symptoms to be diagnosed.

PTSD is not just an exaggerated reaction—it is a serious medical issue. It is a psychiatric disorder that can develop in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event that is life threatening. The trauma might involve military combat, sexual assault, domestic abuse, car accidents natural disasters, or any life-threatening experience. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD; resilience, coping mechanisms, and support systems play a role in whether someone develops long-term symptoms

In my experience, the term PTSD is overused, and people use it to describe symptoms of depression, anxiety, sadness and/or grief. When I tell people that I have PTSD, frequently the response is “I have PTSD too.” I recently was at a social event where 4 out of 5 people sitting at my table told me that they have PTSD. As the conversation continued, I realized that the people were self-diagnosed and had not met the diagnostic criteria. None of the people sitting at my table had received or were receiving psychological services, which indicated to me that their symptoms were not interfering with their ability to function. This inappropriate use of the term PTSD minimizes society’s impression of its severity and that people with PTSD do not need services.

According to the DSM-5, the symptoms of PTSD are categorized into four main areas: Intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood and alterations in arousal and reactivity.

Intrusive Memories are flashbacks, distressing dreams, or constant thoughts about the traumatic event. These intrusions can feel like reliving the experience. From 1977 to 2015 (when I had EMDR therapy) I had flashbacks whenever I encountered a ‘trigger.’ Triggers for flashbacks included rain and news reports of violence, to name a few. I would transcend back to August 3, 1977 when I found myself on the floor under a plant in the Mobil Employment Office. I could smell the smoke and my eyes would tear from perceived smoke. I would feel the pressure around my head and chest. I would see blood on the walls and the floors.

I still avoid places, people, or conversations that might trigger memories of the trauma. I used to avoid going to places like airports or concerts because I was worried about a terrorist attack. I no longer worry about that, but now I avoid situations that might cause a panic attack. I try to avoid large crowds which makes me highly anxious. I tried going to concerts at large stadiums. I was a little uncomfortable but was able to control my responses for three concerts. I had a panic attack at the fourth concert due to the combination of crowds, noise, and flashing lights. I will not be going to another concert at a stadium.

Most people think I am a positive person, but the truth is that I struggle with negative changes in thinking and mood – PTSD can cause persistent fear, guilt, shame, or emotional numbness, often leading to detachment from relationships. Despite my understanding that the bombing was not my fault, I feel guilty about surviving the explosion when another person died. I feel ashamed that my recovery was slow and that people’s comments have reinforced that shame. Comments like, “You should be grateful you survived” or “You should be over it by now since it happened so long ago” just reinforce the guilt and shame. For many years, I was emotionally numb. I never felt happy or sad…just present. I knew how I was supposed to feel in a situation and pretended to feel that way.

Alterations in arousal and reactivity is characterized by increased irritability, aggression, trouble sleeping, hypervigilance, or exaggerated responses to triggers (such as loud noises). I have not had any aggressive tendencies, but hypervigilance has been a way of life for me. I am frequently in a heightened state of alertness with a fixation on potential threats, which causes me to startle easily. This has affected my sleep in places where I do not feel safe and makes me appear jumpy.

When PTSD is used to describe anything from frustration after a tough day to discomfort after a scary movie, its actual severity is diminished. It also fosters misinformation, leading people to misunderstand the realities of trauma and mental illness. My symptoms go way beyond everyday stress. PTSD has disrupted my life in profound ways, and I continue to need professional treatment and support. The notion that one can ‘get over’ PTSD is false. The idea that ‘time heals all wounds’ is false.

By sharing my experiences, I hope that people have a better understanding and awareness of the real dynamics of PTSD so they can talk about it responsibly. I’d like to suggest that people recognize that PTSD is a diagnosable disorder, not just a feeling. Avoid using PTSD as shorthand for general stress, anxiety or discomfort. If someone says they have PTSD, listen with care rather than dismissing their experience.

By taking these steps, we contribute to a culture where mental health is acknowledged with respect, and people struggling with PTSD feel seen rather than misunderstood.

Words matter. The way we talk about PTSD shapes society’s understanding of mental health and trauma. While it’s great that conversations about PTSD have increased, it’s essential to ensure they are informed and sensitive rather than careless. Understanding PTSD for what it truly is—rather than simply treating it as a trending term—can make a real difference in how survivors receive the support they need.

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