What Is PTSD? (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) happens when your brain experiences something so overwhelming, it doesn’t fully return to safety ..even long after the event is over.⠀

So.. let’s break it down simply:

Your brain’s alarm system (the amygdala) becomes hyperactive. It stays on high alert, like a smoke detector that keeps going off, even if there’s no fire. That’s why small triggers can cause big reactions.

Your memory center (the hippocampus) has trouble organizing the trauma. Traumatic memories may return as flashbacks or vivid emotions because your brain couldn’t store them properly they feel like they’re happening right now.

Your thinking brain (the prefrontal cortex) goes offline. When we’re in survival mode, logic and reasoning shut down. This is why people with PTSD often feel ashamed of their reactions, but these are not “weaknesses,” they’re protective responses.

And the nervous system? It’s stuck between hyperarousal (fight/flight) and shutdown (freeze/dissociate).It’s exhausting ..physically, emotionally, and psychologically.⠀

PTSD is not a “mental weakness.” It’s actually the body and brain trying to protect you. The problem is: they don’t realize the danger has passed.⠀

Healing means helping your brain feel safe again.

Remember.. your brain isn’t broken. It’s doing its best to protect you! It just needs help coming home.⠀

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