What is PTSD? and books that can help you understand it
Understanding how our brain works isn’t just fascinating—it’s practical. It opens our eyes to new solutions.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that arises from experiencing trauma. Trauma doesn’t always have to be an event as extreme as war; it can stem from abuse, accidents, loss, or even chronic stress. What trauma does is change the chemical and neurological structure of your brain.
When someone is diagnosed with PTSD, their trauma is still stored in the brain. This means the brain sends stress signals to the body in response to a threat that no longer exists. This is what’s known as the "fight or flight" response, a natural reaction of a dysregulated nervous system.
When a person is exposed to memories of a situation that reminds them of the initial shock and trauma, the original event gets replayed in the mind, and it might feel as if it’s happening in the present, making the body go into panic over and over again.
Books That Can Help You Understand PTSD
Educating yourself about PTSD can be an essential step in healing. Knowing what’s happening in your brain and body takes away the uncertainty and fear, making the healing process more manageable.
Here are some books that have helped me better understand PTSD and how to navigate its effects:
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. – This book explains how trauma reshapes both the body and the brain. It's one of the most comprehensive resources on trauma and healing.
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine PhD with Ann Frederick. – This book offers a somatic approach to healing trauma, emphasizing the importance of body awareness in recovery.
Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body by Peter A. Levine PhD
By understanding PTSD, you can stop navigating in the dark. Knowledge helps you create a clear plan of action, empowering you to take steps toward healing.
