Inspiring Hope International

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What is PTSD?

It is quite common to associate Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (hereinafter PTSD) with war veterans returning home from combat. Recently, however, science is bringing to light the prevalence of PTSD resulting from non-combat situations.

At Inspiring Hope International, we want to remind you that you are the master of your own brain and body. What you define as trauma is your trauma, and no two definitions of trauma look the same. We want you to know you are not alone and there is help here for you.

The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD as “a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witness a traumatic event” (APA, 2020). PTSD can present itself through reexperiencing trauma here and now, avoidance of traumatic reminders, hypervigilance resulting from a persistent sense of impending threat (Mind, 2017).

While these are the most well-known presentations of PTSD, there is a spectrum of symptoms that may be present. If you struggle with any of the following symptoms, you may be unknowingly suffering from PTSD.

· Have an ongoing distrust of people and the world

· Difficulty regulating your emotions

· A continuous feeling of emptiness

· Feeling as if you are completely different from other people

· Finding friendships and relationships difficult, or avoiding them altogether (Mind, 2017).

The World Health Organization (hereinafter WHO) recently introduced two distinct trauma-related disorders in its 11thpublication of the International Classification of Diseases, or ICD-11. Under the general category of ‘disorders specifically associated with stress,’ the WHO outlines PTSD as well as complex PTSD, or CPTSD (Haselgruber et al., 2020).

PTSD and/or CPTSD can be caused by a singular traumatic event, but it is important to remember that singular events are not the only causes. Being harmed by someone close to you at an early age, experiencing ongoing trauma of any kind (physical, emotional, sexual), or repeatedly witnessing abuse can all surface as PTSD (Mind, 2020).

If you think you may be suffering from PTSD, there is hope and there is help. We are here to help you connect with effective treatments, financial help, and others who may be feeling the same as you.

Shelly Butts is a freelance web content creator from Houston, Texas. She writes passionately when not chasing around two active boys or pursuing her Master's in Social Work.

References

Haselgruber, A., Sölva, K., & Lueger, S. B. (2020). Validation of ICD‐11 PTSD and complex
PTSD in foster children using the International Trauma Questionnaire. Acta Psychiatrica
Scandinavica, 141(1), 60–73. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uta.edu/10.1111/acps.13100

Mind for Better Mental Health. (2017, May). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/post-
traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/complex-ptsd/

About PTSD

April Hart, Founder

Our Mission

Trauma can happen to anyone at anytime. Whether it is in the form of abuse, sexual assualt, loss of a loved one, a house fire, or even a car accident. Many who experience trauma will develop PTSD that can be life altering. We want you to know you are not alone. There is help and there is hope!

Our Mission

April Hart, Founder

Our Mission

Our mission is to bring hope to people suffering from trauma and PTSD by connecting them with effective treatments, financial help, and each other. We want you to know that you are not alone. We are here to help you connect and heal.

April Hart, Founder

April became a mental health advocate and life coach out of her own personal journey. While on the path of getting help for her own family, she met many others and her eyes were opened to the struggle of those suffering with PTSD. She has found healing for her family and wants to help others do the same!

Charlene Hochstein, Board member

Charlene's heart is rooted in faith, family, and serving others in the community and world. Her compassion and empathy for those suffering with mental health challenges originates from her own struggle with childhood and teenage depression. In addition to the privilege of serving as part of IHI, Charlene is a Patroness in the National Charity League and serves on the Purpose Committee for Cornerstone of Houston Team Counseling. As a teacher, she is committed to connecting with every child, advocating for student needs, and fostering emotional growth coping skills, social-emotional learning, and making her classroom a safe place for every learner.

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Luciana DeVito, Board member

Charlene Hochstein, Board member

Luciana has a huge heart and an even bigger vocabulary! She is gifted in speaking and is fluent in 5 different languages. God has given her a passion for helping people both locally and abroad.

Jana Witt, Board member

Kristen Spake, Board member

My passion for mental health comes out of my own experience with depression. Knowing what I went through, and seeing what other family members have gone through, I want to be a part of educating the public, tearing down stereotypes, and making help more prevalent and attainable.

Kristen Spake, Board member

There is little so satisfying than turning pain into purpose in our life or the life of a family member. We are not our trauma, and we are the ones that can move in the direction of health. My experiences have taught me that humans tend to be broken in one way or another. We don’t have to stay broken. Chase health with all your might.