To think we devalue trauma?

that is pure crazy

They were making a joke. They weren’t actually claiming to have PTSD. It was an exaggeration for comic effect.

My friend finished reading a series of books yesterday and said to me “I can’t believe there are no more books. I think I’m having withdrawal symptoms.” She wasn’t genuinely claiming to have an addiction akin to heroin dependency, though.

I get what you are saying. I think your example was obviously a joke. But the common things at the moment seem to be people using 'anxiety' when they mean they are worried about or don't want to do something. Or I seem to know quite a few people who have started claiming to have ADHD. No actual diagnosis, just have seen some videos or have children going through assessment and have decided they have it too. I've watched some of the ADHD videos and honestly I think most people would relate to the things said.

I agree with you that generally mental health disorders are thrown about too much and devalue them yes. Especially with OCD which is obviously highly debilitating for someone who lives with it day in and day out. In this example I think it was probably just a joke though. I can imagine it's hard to hear it thrown about so flippantly when you have lived experience of it however.

On a side note, you don't need to be experiencing trauma symptoms years after the traumatic experience for it to be classed as PTSD - it can be diagnosed months after.

I agree in general but not with your example. They were clearly joking. But when people seriously describe non-traumatic events as being trauma it does make me cringe a little.

Use the word distressing instead

@Catatedog People will understand if you try and get help and it sounds like you're being triggered.

You went through serious trauma, try not to downplay it. It annoys me too when people cry wolf regarding mental health issues but don't let it deter you from seeking help.

It's not for anyone to judge how deeply we've been effected, it's entirely individual. It's hard to advocate for yourself when you're not well and some medical professionals can be dismissive, especially towards women.

You might find BACP useful to look for a therapist.

My uncle took his own life due to PTSD. He was in a horrible place mentally. So while recognising that events affect people differently, I am very sceptical when people blow up minor inconveniences into supposed traumas. Being late for work or the shop running out of your favourite cereal doesn't really compare to seeing your comrades gunned down in front of you.

I really bloody hate this! I have clinically diagnosed cPTSD. So many are saying ptsd when they mean they are upset by something, normal life events, not actual life changing trauma.

Same goes for OCD, migraines etc.

Even now when I have to declare it for medical reasons, I cringe because it’s been made to sound like everyone has it. I feel like I have to over explain my condition.

Mental illness is already stigmatised and people's understanding of most things other than anxiety/depression is quite poor, and the dilution of conditions through vocabulary doesn't help with this.

It has to be stigmatised as that is what the whole field is built upon and survives on - people being called abnormal.

I agree OP. Overusing PTSD, OCD, anxiety etc devalues the experience those with diagnosis have with these conditions. People have normal nervousness and they have anxiety: they like a tidy house - it’s OCD. PTSD has become a joke that even minor inconveniences can trigger.

In reality all of these conditions have a huge impact on the lives of those who genuinely suffer. I wouldn’t wish the level of trauma needed to cause PTSD on anyone.

I'm not really sure what you mean. Are you saying that a colleague joked about having PTSD so you can't seek help? Do you think the trauma you experienced has made you overly sensitive?

I love an exaggeration too! "I've told you a billion times not to exaggerate" 😂

The migraine one is a good example. I have a close friend who really suffers with them, completely debilitated, can't work, has been hospitalised, tried every treatment and trial treatment under the sun.

I had a guy at work a few months ago saying he was suffering with a migraine whilst he was smoking a cigarette and chatting away with us all - he may have had a headache but I just thought "you have no idea".

What a twat. Next time they do this, express deep concern and offer a psych referral. Suggest that such a deep level of distress over a humdrum work setback may indicate burnout. Refer them to HR for their own wellbeing.
Exaggerate 😁

I agree OP.

The examples the first PP's gave are a little different. Like when you're embarrassed someone might say "I could have died". Obviously thats a phrase but the whole PTSD / trauma / lack of ability to deal with things which appear worse now are definitely more apparent.

There is an argument for the fact that now people are a bit more comfortable to talk about trauma and it is widely discussed however, when I was in therapy something we spoke about a bit towards the end was that difficult events are a part of life (I'm not referring to abuse or historical abuse which 100% need the empathy and help), but break ups, death of a loved one, loss of a job, or whatever and humans need tools to deal with them.

In some ways people self diagnosing or using phrases such as they suffer with PTSD etc after a fairly normal life event can really take away from the people who genuinely need assistance / therapy / support.

I agree, too. When we say "OMG, I'm dying!" it's pretty clear we aren't dead or in need of resuscitation. I'm partial to a bit of exaggeration (OK, I ADORE exaggeration! Can't get enough of it! I exaggerate EVERYTHING!). It's great for dramatic or comedic effect. But misappropriation of medical terms is becoming far too prevalent, and rarely comical.

As the PP described with her migraine example, it does devalue real conditions and, actually, perpetuates stigmatisation against those who really have them.

Your colleague could've said something like "I'm traumatised, I tell ya! Traumatised!" for the effect they presumably wanted. It isn't funny to just name a real condition and expect a laugh unless all mentions of that condition are a joke to you - which is the problem.

If the silly eejit actually expected sympathy for their "mild PTSD" it's even worse.