6 Misconceptions of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) | Mental Health 101 | Kati Morton

[@jellicle_kitten]

6.23 "We aren't weak. We just had some shitty things happen to us. It overwhelmed our nervous system and we need some support to work through it". Ooops I literally cried when I heard this.

[@Katimorton]

xoxox

[@Kaytecando]

Amen to that! I recently was called a coward because I avoid confrontation.

[@MushroomFarmersGuild]

Same, lost it.

[@san_toad]

You are weak

[@jellicle_kitten]

@@san_toad insult kinda loses its edge when coupled with a jigglypuff avatar

[@Mattytube18]

I like what Dr. Gabor Matè says about trauma. It’s not what happened to you but how you perceive what happened to you. The experience was “traumatic” and now you have trauma in you.

[@Katimorton]

YES!!! Omg I love that! Thank you so much for sharing :) xoxo

[@jacquelineh5029]

“So I would actually argue that those with ptsd are actually extremely strong” holy Shit Katie I needed to hear that. I felt weak having PTSD when my peers didn’t. Gotta remember that what happened to me SUCKED.

[@benttranberg2690]

My sister said I should tell the psychologists that we stem from a family of fishermen stretching hundreds of years back in time, which might explain why people don't register the problems I'm having in daily life. All these families back in time became used to disasters. I also certainly needed to build strength from an early age in order to just survive stuff. My sister suspected that this strength would also camouflage my condition from the psychologists. I'm sure that's what happened. They did set a diagnose of anxiety disorder. When they did not go on to look at a possibly PTSD diagnosis, and more, it was because that would take resources, and setting a diagnose was not the purpose. The purpose was to help me figure out what was wrong, so I can work on it. I clearly have PTSD from what I can determine, but I didn't know until quite recently that this not only came from a terrible accident, but also from lots and lots of experiences in my childhood, and then also later from bad treatment at work. Yes, bullyish superiors can destroy people. The psychologists helped me discover that I also have AvPD, which explained a lot in great detail, not just about my behavioural patterns but also about my childhood history. I am so strong that I have no problems telling people about my experiences and how I cope in order to live a reasonably good life.

[@appalachiangirluk9960]

I was diagnosed with CPTSD a few years ago. It came from sustained emotional and physical abuse as a child. I don't get how people can't understand that sustained abuse, as in for years (for me it was for around 15 years) in your HOME that you're too young to escape is not similar to a torture scenario??

[@Katimorton]

I am so sorry you went through that.. and yes I agree.. that is similar to torture :( xoxox

[@Kaytecando]

Most people can't understand or comprehend things they themselves did not experience.

[@suzannep]

I absolutely agree! It's like those movies where they show a prisoner being dragged repeatedly out of a cell and tortured without let up day after day slowly breaking them down. For kids being abused in the home can feel like you never get a chance to rest, it's that same repeatedly being dragged into a traumatizing event day in and day out, but its for years on end! It gets to the point where every moment feels on edge, like you just don't know when the next traumatic event will be but you know that it is coming.

[@appalachiangirluk9960]

@@Katimorton Thank you Kati

[@appalachiangirluk9960]

@@suzannep Exactly! I still feel like that now. Like something is coming. I'm hyper-vigilent and am on edge.

[@SmoliverTwist]

I lost my Mum at 6 and I didn’t realise I was suffering from PTSD from that event until my early twenties. I couldn’t believe it at first. My therapist explained how I probably didn’t cope or fully understand with the situation at the time. Explaining it now to people that I’ve gone through PTSD, I do get some odd looks and I do get some who even doubt that I’m telling the truth. They question the severity of the trauma, and to them I say that people cope with different things in their own ways.

[@lilliput112]

same with losing my Dad at 9. Didn't realize until I was in my early twenties, either. We're not alone!

[@debb10]

It boggles my mind that others would have a hard time understanding how losing a parent at a young age is a trauma. Glad you found a therapist was able to validate your experience and put a name to it.

[@despitecovid283]

Where do you find these amazing therapists & how do you pay for them? (Asking to learn how to get one :( )

[@handkmommy]

I can’t reiterate enough how important it is to get sober when doing trauma work. Most of us with PTSD turn to drugs and alcohol to “quiet” the brain. My brain is kinda like a rollercoaster and alcohol made the tension in my body calmer. I knew I was an alcoholic and was powerless to help myself and needed support. I went to Inpatient detox and rehab. When I got home the trauma work I did started to actually work. I still have PTSD but I learned methods of coping that weren’t destructive. I went from leaving the house once a week to forcing myself to go out every day, to going back to work full time. I’d say the hardest thing to treat has been the sleep disturbances aka nightmares. With medication and lots of sleep training it’s so much more manageable. I still get them sometimes but I’m no longer afraid to go to sleep. It is hard to deal with but we are the voices for those that don’t know what to do. If you are dealing with PTSD symptoms, reach out to other survivors. You will find comfort in knowing that it’s not just a “YOU” thing. It’s a PTSD thing.

[@crystalherbert8401]

Thanks Kati! As someone newly diagnosed with CPTSD, I really needed to hear this. Hope you are loving TX with your first hurricane scare. Stay strong. 💜

[@Katimorton]

I am so glad it was helpful :) And yes! Loving Texas, and at least we are far enough away from the coast that we weren't affected by the hurricane :) xoxo

[@Amarrahd2001]

O

[@wandalester7253]

Crystal, l have C-PTSD TOO. I have frozen moments starting at four years old. I have tried to remember what l did. I am still standing beside Eleanor's car, she was my first foster mother, l had only spent one night with her. She gave me the only hug l remember with love and security. I did not exist before that hug. The next day is when she wrapped me in her long black furry coat. We were at a brick building, but we never went in and we never got back in her car. In my mind we are still standing there beside her car. Do you have frozen moments?

[@crystalherbert8401]

@@wandalester7253 I don’t know if they are “frozen” per say. But I do have moments of disassociation.

[@wandalester7253]

@@crystalherbert8401 Thank you for responding. I was only with Eleanor for 24 hours. She gave my the only hug with love and security l had as a child, the night before as she held and rocked me. That hug helped me through a lot of abuse. I didn't remember what that hug felt like until a counselor helped me remember it when l was 30 years old. I was in a mental shell, tunnel vision. I hope the counselor that is helping you really cares like mine did. It made all the difference in the world. I will put your name in my Bible and pray for you! I read it every day. John 17 is my favorite Chapter. After John 3:16.

[@RobertWGreaves]

Excellent. One of my older sisters decided when she was 11 that she had to get out of our house as soon as possible because these parents are incompetent. I on the other hand took it all to heart and thought there was something wrong with me. She blossomed at 18 when she left home, I was still quite dysfunctional until I reached about 30.

[@marziehzargari4940]

oh my god that's exactly what has happened with me and my older sister.I feel very stupid for staying in my parent's house and moving out until it was too late.

[@danielaravenous]

Finally a psychologist giving the required importance to this topic! Thanks Kati 💜

[@cassiemadden4523]

Hi Katie, my sister used to tell me as an insult that I have “a lack of resilience” because of my mental health disorders (ptsd, depression etc) . She is not a health professional of any kind. And her words were so hurtful. I’d love to hear what you have to say about how to handle people that don’t understand mental health issues without crossing any boundaries I’ve put in place. 😊😊❤️ love your videos by the way! Can’t wait to read your new book! 😍

[@jessicalatorraca8507]

I second what Cassie said - PLUS, how to respond to “You shouldn’t feel that way” & “You’re too sensitive” 😔

[@ilovepickle]

I have some choice words for your sister.....

[@ababy6074]

I agree with your suggestions. I'm sorry your sister has acted this way. Everyone has different levels of resilience, and if she was lucky enough not to be traumatised then good for her. She obviously has no understanding of those of us who do struggle with mental health issues. I'd like to tell her to go jump.

[@ntet9557]

I was bullied for more than a decade in school (from 1st grade to 12th grade) and I still consider myself weak. My father had a very huge real trauma when he was 16 and he had no severe consequences. I never talked to my parents about the things I experienced in school because I was so ashamed I covered my bruises if they occasionally hurt me, I learned to not cry when anyone sees me. I conditioned myself to keep things inside and showing a well-curated image of myself. So I reached out for help over a decade when I felt my periodic but always increasing isolation despite I am surrounded by loving people and my more and more mood swings which were harder and harder to regulate. It was very hard to open up to my therapist about my experiences in school, he was the first I've ever talked about it, and about my destructive behavior after it at the university. I was also ashamed that after years of conditioning myself to control and repress my emotions, to not show myself even weaker than I already was, when I was free of my bullying situation I lost control. I also remember when at a party during my freshman year from a guy I dated that time how they bullied another boy in high school. I remember as they laughed. I remember I didn't feel anything. No empathy or sorrow, just emptiness. I even struggle today to feel empathy for the victims of bullying. It was months, even half a year when my therapist used the word trauma to my experiences. I was triggered and yelled at him, this was not a trauma. I knew what trauma was. He calmly put down his notebook and look at me. "How would you call if you are exposed to psychological and physical harm and you cannot escape the situation?" He said even a mild car crash can be felt as trauma. He said I have C-PTSD and it is nothing to be ashamed of it. I couldn't believe him when he said he thought I am very strong and resilient that I could build up a successful life. Sorry for the long comment, but I learn how to open up about things that happened with me, and feel my emotions and not try to repress them.

[@mrico2369]

This video resonates with me. I have struggled to balance out myself all my life. I would always shut down and isolate myself until recently my therapist has been helping me. Talking to close friends or family will help you. Develop coping mechanisms that will help you.

[@Finn_River]

Life will always be finding balance. I'm glad you have helpful support.

[@lillianwilliamson5609]

I have non combat related PTSD from my military service. Unfortunately the VA does not like to believe that females who were not in combat can have PTSD. I'm glad your doing this video because it seems people really do have many misconception and stereotypes about who gets PTSD.

[@janetslater129]

You bring up a really good point. Even if someone was not in active combat, they can still see first hand the horrors of war.

[@dubkodiak6758]

Lillian Williamson I know a lot about the VA and ratings. Would you like some help with your claim? If not with me, you should go to your local VSO Veteran Service Officer. They do not work for the VA, and will actually help/argue your case for you. Your service matters! Semper Fi!

[@lillianwilliamson5609]

@@dubkodiak6758 Thank you I appreciate the offer for help! I luckily did get a rating from VA for depression but the evidence of PTSD was overwhelming from my private psychologist etc. They just choose to ignore it all. Thank you for your kind words!

[@dubkodiak6758]

@@lillianwilliamson5609 of course!

[@justinlavine9209]

The U.S. military systematically sexually abused and tortured P.O.W.S. and other civilian non-combatants in their military prisons in Cuba, Iraq, and Afghanistan. To my knowledge, the U.S. government has denied any wrong doing despite acknowleding a lawsuit by Canadian citizens. Victims of these abuses probably suffer from PSTD symptoms you've never heard of...just like their stories. This is fact, but I look forward to once again being banned or censored by American social media outlets for bringing it to your attention.

[@mateusnanet]

Basically not being pacific verbally and physically with people and pets or not having consciousness. Great explanation, best I have seen, honestly.

[@pug_frost7246]

I had a very close friend walk out of my life recently bc I'm struggling with my PTSD, and it's been difficult to get help during Covid. So, it's taking me a while to get it handled. They made it clear that my PTSD was too much for them to handle, I understood that and started keeping to myself more. I was under the impression that I needed to get my PTSD manageable until they were ready to spend time together again. Meanwhile, I'd still ask how they're doing and wish them well when I'd check in. Randomly they replied to one of these check-in messages with an explanation that they couldn't wait around for me, and we couldn't be friends anymore. I understand that friendship's end, but this was so hurtful. Not only could my closest, longest friend not be there for me during this very difficult time, but they couldn't even bother to wait around for me to get better. I know this person probably felt I was toxic bc of my behavior while struggling with PTSD and MDD in the middle of a lockdown. So, my thoughts are...when can we rely on our friends and loved ones? If it's toxic to go to them in your time of need. I know people in these situations can be selfish bc we're dealing with a lot of mental health issues. I know a lot of people stopped telling me about their own life bc they didn't think I could handle it. So, I ended up losing a lot of close people in my life simply bc they assumed I couldn't handle talking to them about their issues. I know this is the case bc when I'd ask about them, they'd be short and drop it. Almost everyone I know closely has done that to me. I really needed these people as support, but they didn't want to be supportive and that's fine. But when is it not toxic to ask for support from our friends and family? It got to the point I was being told by this person that they just assumed I'd end my own life and they've already made peace with that. They'd rather me kill myself than be there for me. I'm really scared to talk to people now. I don't want to be toxic by talking about how I'm feeling. I don't want to get close enough to rely on someone just so they can walk away when I need them most. I'm really struggling with this. What do we do when people we've known most/all our lives find our mental illness toxic and can't be bothered to stick around until we get it manageable? I almost feel like this situation made my mental health a lot worse. I’m not blaming this person of course, but it was hard having to lose my closest friend and most of my family due to what happened. It would have been easier on my mental health had these people just avoided me rather than in forming me they’re done waiting for me to get better.

[@elinaj3689]

oh honey. that's what happenes to a lot of trauma survivors and people still in unsafe environments. They unwillingly attract these types of people. everything you explained was the exact same thing happened to me. It's played out so that you feel like it's your fault for feeling that way. IT IS NOT> first of all you had that happened to you and they didn't and as you obviously would be struggling they turned their backs because they are selfish narcissists. You have to heal yourself and love yourself. Before you fully do that, do not trust anyone and be very careful. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT> you are so strong and these people aren't the people that are meant for you.

[@mrico2369]

Thank you for creating this video! You truly inspire me to be a better person. I've struggled with PTSD since I was a little kids. I was verbally, mentally & physically abused. I'm 23 now, and still struggle everyday. I've been seeing a therapist that's been helping me so much. The day to day can be a struggle, but developing coping mechanisms will help alot and talking to your friends and family.

[@justlenny97]

Kati, I just recently discovered you, and I love how your work is so helpful in so many ways to so many people. And I loved the hopeful outlook you offered to us folks, letting us know our level of resilience can be built up by helpful things we can do. I imagine I’m not alone as one of those folks who tends to fault myself for not being as resilient as I wish I were, but it’s affected by so many factors. Like our developed attachment styles. Like how our circumstances may have affected our abilities to manage (or not) to develop during important developmental stages (ex: at 2yo, while most kids are practicing saying “no” and potty training and walking and testing their sense of independence, I was helpless in a hospital bed, wetting and soiling myself in a diaper, and dependent upon the professionals who did what they felt needed to be done to me). And, even when we compare ourselves to the siblings who share the same nature and nurture as we do, there are still factors of age difference, order of birth, same or difference of sex, and so many things that influence who we perceive ourselves to be and how we are perceived by our care givers and family members. So many different things can affect our level of resilience, and forgive me if this sounds like trauma dumping, but my parents were killed in a Vietnam bombing and I was not quite two at the time and, thank goodness, I don’t remember it. But I was raised in a home where I developed c-PTSD and have spent almost my entire life wanting to die. I’m 60 now and just within the last two years I’ve finally felt like I was willing to “be.” It’s like a miracle for me! And your video helped me to realize that my ability to withstand 60 years of life is a form of resilience itself. Sending you and your viewers lots of love. I’m so proud of this community!

[@Sebak222]

This was great! Until the end. You lost me at: "You can work through your past trauma and live a life free from the symptoms of PTSD". There is no doubt in my mind these will never go away.

[@cs5384]

I really appreciate your videos and especially this one. My son experienced a horrific trauma at age six and then another at age 15. He has seen two apathetic therapists, one of which spent more time talking about her own life and her autistic child (my son is autistic) and reminding my son that her son is "like really really autistic, not like you!" She didn't do any sort of therapy that I could see. Just chitchat and relating every problem he had with her own life. The next one was like a coach. he'd offer these pep talks and tell my son "You just gotta find your passion and get motivated!" He also talks about Jesus healing him and we aren't even Christian, and I've pointed that out a couple times but he always forgets. My son was experiencing hallucinations and had developed alternate personalities. He was hurting himself. He couldn't focus on school work and this guy is telling him to get a part time job. His psychiatrist has helped some. He is now on an antidepressant, mood stabilizer, and an antipsychotic that has really helped him stop seeing the ghost of the person who hurt him (the attacker took his life and my son blames himself for reporting it). But this therapist is suggesting he get a part time job and "think positive!" He needs more. It's not right. The problem is we are on state insurance and we get what we're given. If his therapist isn't a good fit he just has to live with it or do without. I'm trying my best to learn everything I can to help him while I keep pushing for another therapist change. It's hard to find someone who is both experienced with PTSD and ASD. I wish I could find someone who maybe could try EMDR but they always go with DBT and I don't really think they're doing that, just chitchatting and giving him a handout about mindfulness. I'm trying to learn for myself too. I think I probably have CPTSD from continued childhood sexual trauma. I have always just pushed it back to get on, but the older I get the harder it is to keep my head quiet.

[@MorganBondelid]

I hope you are able to find better resources. Big hugs for all the work you’re doing to support him and you. FWIW, “parts work” therapy (internal family systems) is really helping me. Trauma-informed therapy is so important. 🤗

[@yopyop5546]

I'm so happy you mentioned psylocybin! The future of mental healthcare is so exciting with these "new" tools!

[@covert_warrior]

Absolutely! But people need to use it wisely. Microdose is most effective

[@Brainwavingsince1999]

I always feel like my trauma wasn’t bad enough to lead to PTSD so I really don’t like seeing the diagnosis somewhere. (Also because I was diagnosed with PTSD and BPD and feel like I can’t have it both) But this video helps me to understand that you can’t compare your trauma to someone else’s trauma because we all have different resources when coping with it. It definitely had a big impact on me (in terms of symptoms/behavior/emotions etc.) so that might be what it’s about. So thanks for the video!!!

[@jonathanmcgrath1712]

Thanks for this, your PTSD and trauma related videos really help!

[@Katimorton]

I am so glad :) xoxo

[@lauragore5489]

I'm currently experiencing PTSD and I'm in therapy and I just happened to come home from therapy and you put out this video so thank you.

[@FrederickDunn]

I have a question regarding PTSD, but first, is it just me, or is your left shoulder of that top wider than the right shoulder? Ok, on with my question. I'm a Cornell University Certified Master Beekeeper, this has resulted in several organizations reaching out to me regarding Honey Bees and PTSD. There is a National Organization titled Hives For Heroes, and a smaller organization titled Heroes To Hives. Many Veterans have found recovery or solace simply by being in the company of Honey Bees at the hive. Even more, recovery when they become beekeepers themselves. There are also equine programs that have a similar healing impact. Why is this so? Is it a matter of drawing them out of themselves when they focus on an animal? Is it the distraction? There are many healing claims that are assigned to bees and beekeeping. I wonder what a professional such as yourself has to say about that? Not everyone can have a horse, or interact with one, but honey bees are basically everywhere, including in cities. I wanted to do an interview with you about this topic, but there seems to be a fee assigned to that. So, I'm asking right here :) Thank you for your time.

[@joannpuckett2060]

KATI you are on target. I am a recovered PSTD. Without telling you all the details. In 2003 I had my crash. My husband found in the fetal position just crying uncontrollably. I could not stop! With his support he told me that I need to see my doctor. It was the best thing I ever did for myself. With medication and counseling it helped me realize I have been suffering side effects since childhood. With all the hard work I now feel free. Yes you can recover!

[@Katimorton]

Thank you so much for sharing!! And I am so glad you were able to get the help you needed and that you now feel free!! Yay!!! xoxo Yes yes yes! You can recover :) xoxo

[@mestis343]

5:05 the way you described self destruction totally retable.

[@tupsicojose]

I am currently taking EMDR and I can tell you it helped me through trauma I did not even know was affecting me so much. I am also learning it for my own patients, I hope I can help them get the life improving experience this is for me. Treating PTSD is still a long shot for me, but I look forward to the opportunity when I am ready.

[@shawnsnell5025]

I found out from my therapist that I got PTSD from my exwife and how she treated me while we were married. I had an incident happen with a friend of mine that alerted me to the problem. I had no idea, but sure am glad that I have a therapist that I've been with for four years who has helped me through a lot of my trauma. Thank you so much for your videos, Kati!

[@dan4392]

Kati you are a beautiful person inside and out!

[@Katimorton]

Awe thanks Dan :) xoxo

[@Finn_River]

Can you collab with Eugenia? I like the ones you did before. She gets so much pressure from people and its hard to tell if she is aware that her health has gotten worse since that time. I liked the way you just chilled with her while talking about real things.

[@melaniemorgan8974]

I am interested in reading your book. What seemed to really help me was forgiving my abusers. I still am working with professionals but it made a dramatic difference in my symptoms. Now I am addressing the lack of coping skills that I have. Some professionals I know are working on the link of thyroid related to it as well. That the constant fight or flight causes the issue. Also we've been talking about bipolar and ptsd. Its interesting stuff. Seems to be bipolar is linked to trauma as well and maybe the result of ptsd from severe trauma as a young child left untreated. Very thankful for all the professionals out there working to help those in need. I have met many lovely people that just want to help and truly care about their patients.

[@karlharrison6544]

My first Trauma was at the age of two, way too early to have been able to learn how to cope with it. I have Complex PTSD from far too many traumatic experiences to count and I have finally begun therapy in the hope of being able to live the life I maybe should have had all along. This video helps and I have got your book on pre-order and am looking forward to receiving it. Thanks Kati.

[@allangochin3760]

This Honestly help so much. Watching my dad pass away right in front of me in 2017 and being hit by a car Yesterday Morning (11/14/22) while crossing the street and even though luckily I did not get serious hurt and just have a hurt leg and soreness. And though I been able to joke it off to my friends to laugh off the trauma, I still feel very overwhelmed and am constantly thinking about it since yesterday and it the scene keeps replaying into my head like my brain is not sure if what happened really happened like " what the fuck no way... did this really fucking happen to me..." I'm still trying to come to terms if I have slight PTSD from being hit but this defiantly help especially with "We aren't weak. We just had some shitty things happen to us. It overwhelmed our nervous system and we need some support to work through it" Thank you Kati

[@ihearthendo]

Thank you for all you do for us, Katie! Back in the 90's I was diagnosed with PTSD after a traumatic experience. I saw a therapist for a few years, she gave me the tools and techniques/strategies I needed to persevere. In the early 00's I met/married my husband who is a Covert Narcissist - long story short - 2 years ago I was diagnosed with CPTSD; apparently it is due to the many years of Chinese water torture I endured being in a relationship with him. I'm still with him though I know I'll never be able to outlove his kind of trauma.

[@TheThesisGirl85]

Watching the trees behind you while listening to you talk about trauma is such a bittersweet experience for me. I remember those trees because Austin is a place where I lived for a while and where I also experienced a series of traumatic events. Even though all this happened a couple of years ago, I often have flashbacks to Texas still. It is such a mixture of feelings since there is so much there that I loved and still love but it is also the place where something life-changing happened to me. It might sound a little silly but because I started to watch your videos long before I moved to Austin, you being there somehow makes sense of and organizes this experience for me a tiny bit. Sometimes it feels like I was never there and it never happened. Thank you for all you do!

[@vanessasouthern1792]

You are simply one of the best people on KZbin. Such passion and dedication. Thank you for your videos.

[@neonsilver1936]

I have PTSD from various sources, long-form onset, and I have done years of talk therapy with my Therapist. While it helped me build tools to deal with difficulty and learn about my issues, I also needed more, and was suggested by my therapist to do EMDR. I've done EMDR, from beginning to end, a couple of times now for different "areas" of my traumas, like "childhood" or "medical", etc. It's genuinely helped a LOT. EMDR is a really powerful tool, to the point that I feel pretty good soon about ending my therapy sessions with my therapist for a while and returning for more sparse check-ins. If you're struggling with your PTSD and don't know what to start with, I'd really recommend going to a trauma-specializing therapist that is trained in EMDR and working with them. It is a good method, and it helped me a lot. I feel confident that it has the right framework to help many of you as well.

[@allieyates557]

Can PTSD last the rest of your life? When I was 21 I lost my boyfriend of 5 years in a freak accident the day after he bought an engagement ring. There were LOTS of traumatic things surrounding that one giant trauma (his death). I started therapy about a month later when I went back to school to begin senior year of undergrad. It helped a lot but July this year made 10 years since his death and the flashbacks to that day were strong and I've been back to a weird headspace for a few months.

[@MorganBondelid]

Anniversaries are often triggers, and grief is never “done.” Don’t feel like a failure! Your grief is valid.

[@indeed8211]

it lasts as long as you want it to last

[@scottcarder9543]

Thank you Dr Katie. Your teaching is so fantastic and has helped hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands more

[@bigdave_cyber]

☝️☝️the above sells 🍄💊 checking him out his the best.

[@TamaraWilson75]

Something that stood out to me was #6 people saying it doesn't work. I think that for some it may not have worked because it wasn't a good match between the therapist and them. I went to several before I found one that we did work well together and I was able to process and heal with.

[@222radar]

So glad I found your channel

[@gypsyfirestorm]

I've suffered from ptsd since 1987. In 1989 I watched my boyfriend shoot himself in the head. Immediately after, I was put into Straight Inc. Received a lovely cptsd diagnosis after that. There's more, like the love of my life dying in a car accident, but I'd just be rambling at this point. My issue is with Therapy is the cost. I just can't do it. It's been a rough road, but at least I'm still here.

[@letsreadtextbook1687]

Stay strong 💚 hope you'll find strong support and cheaper alternatives to theraphy soon

[@gypsyfirestorm]

@@letsreadtextbook1687 Thank you. I hope so too

[@deborahsimonson5844]

Now I see why I have been stuck in fear since I was 8 years old, in a bad car accident and no one talked about it. My two younger sisters didn't get hurt, but I did and was rushed to hospital and left to lye in a room by myself for hours crying. My parents were out of town for the weekend and the aunt driving cracked her spine. Finally another aunt and uncle came to take us home. I remember waking up the next morning and was so busied everywhere and couldn't move and got yelled at cause I started crying from fear of not being able to move. Then my parents came home and my dad flipped out cause he had told his sister to not drive his brand new car which she totaled. I started doing emdr last month, feel like getting to root of things more. I have had depersonalize disorder for 34 years and never was told anything about PTSD and that it could be reasons why I'm stuck it this. So hoping to be able to get out. Thank you for making all of this understandable.

[@EFJoKeR]

Great video. I have to admit, i had a couple of these misconception... But i love being educated, and finding out i was wrong... So thank you, for a brilliant video...

[@RobbyD569]

My mother was abused, while I was growing in her womb. My first acknowledgement of the violence begins at age 4 - remanning relentless, until I ran away at age 18. Yes, unfortunately these six misconceptions have plagued me and everyone else around me, as I heard loudly to just get over yourself. At age 6, I finally know why I never mounted to anything because trauma greeted me at age 4 with violent episodes through my entire upbringing. I am still missing life, as I have been become uncomfortably numb.

[@Mndhoff]

Kati you have been the only one I can understand. You make everything so clear without making me feel like you are “dumbing it down” for us. I’m excited to hopefully get a copy of your book Traumatized so I can hear more from you!!!

[@jayceedahl4997]

I was diagnosed with PTSD and I didn't realize how bad it can get. It lasts days at a time. I am finally back in therapy.

[@margaretcampbell2681]

As a sufferer this is a very good summary. We need to process these experiences. EMDR is a great help for many.

[@justinlavine9209]

The U.S. military systematically sexually abused and tortured P.O.W.S. and other civilian non-combatants in their military prisons in Cuba, Iraq, and Afghanistan. To my knowledge, the U.S. government has denied any wrong doing despite acknowleding a lawsuit by Canadian citizens. Victims of these abuses probably suffer from PSTD symptoms you've never heard of...just like their stories. This is fact, but I look forward to once again being banned or censored by American social media outlets for bringing it to your attention.

[@bangervlogs8751]

I was recently diagnosed with cptsd. Thank you for this video

[@ChristianConstitutionalist3192]

I Believe Even with Therapy; The Symptoms May Become Easier to Manager Overtime and a Few Symptoms May Go Away, But The Majority of Symptoms Never Completely Away.

[@philisbramlett6890]

I would like to know so much more about Affective Disorder . That's All I have . I know "Traumatized " is where I should begin . There is not a place of trust here that was not shared . It changed my life forever. There was no truth in it .,💔 became my life for so long until my faith grew🕯️. I was able to love from a distance . Accepting & Allowing some Mercy & Grace in my own life . I am now learning to sleep in peace . I am a child of God . He is the Almighty Listener of boken hearts, counselor, comfortor and encourager until He leads me to find someone like you ❤ Until then... God is awake 🪽.

[@christym.6529]

Thanks Kati! Good points, super helpful & informative.

[@RaeM.C83]

Thanks for sharing. I'm in recovery from addiction and other not diagnosed issues and I really appreciated this video. Thank you Katie. ❤

[@Katimorton]

Of course, I am so glad it was helpful :) xoxo

[@LeNoir2411]

Thank you for educating people Kati.. I've been following you since i was around 17 , i was diagnosed with ptsd/cptsd when i was 21 and now I'm 24.. it doesn't get any easier especially when you look 'normal' so it stresses me out even more, afraid i might get an episode or flasback in public places.. I don't do drugs/alcohol etc. So I'm usually tempted to self harm which I've been working hard to stay away from..and talk therapy doesn't work on me because I'd become mute whenever i try to talk about it, i can see my 9 whole years childhood traumas in my head but my mouth won't open..

[@PetrolJunkie]

Not reacting to a situation when it happens doesn't mean the situation wasn't traumatic enough to result in PTSD. Some people naturally switch off their reactions to get through a moment and deal with it later. Later is when the PTSD will show up. I've been through some really bad situations in my life, I know this from experience. It's always the same. Flip the switch, get it done, deal with the emotions later. The longer the switch is flipped the harder it is to deal with the emotions later, and of course the fun part of not being able to process when others are trying to be supportive because your brain is convinced it needs to be ready for the next thing to happen. It's all PTSD, from flipping the off switch to dealing with later, to being unable to process with other people's help. If you have someone like this, please, for the love of God, don't try to force them to deal with their issues. Just because you never see them cry, doesn't mean they haven't, don't, or won't. That quiet moment when they're sitting alone with their own thoughts, that's when they are processing. Leave them alone. Even sitting down beside them can be enough to flip the off switch. This is so hard to explain to some people. Sometimes the best help you can offer is to not help.

[@spiritousgore6153]

Thanks for all the videos you've done on trauma and PTSD. They've been helpful tools so far, and actually gave me the extra push to seek help. Looking forward to your book!

[@Katimorton]

Of course!! I am so glad they have been helpful and pushed you to get the help you need and deserve :) xoxo

[@rachelrunner8948]

High resilience, low resilience… I don’t know if it’s really linked to PTSD in itself. Actually I know folks (amongst whom myself) who are extraordinarily resilient but still suffering from PTSD and dissociation every day. I’ve been told by friends "I don’t understand how you even manage to get out of bed" … well many times I don’t but it doesn’t make me weak. Everyone has a breaking point. Everyone. You can go on for years thinking it’s gonna be alright and even barricade yourself from trauma and kinda pass through it, which is what you do as a kid or during domestic violence or any situation you’re trapped in, and yet there is a day where you lost it and it’s not necessarily the biggest thing that will pass that threshold. It’s the one that saturates your nervous system that is already running somewhat overclocked. Would have been good to mention that sexual assault has a higher risk to trigger PTSD in everyone. I think it’s the bodily invasion that is really scary-for-your-life kind of body response that really qualifies it for a proper criterion A, to which I also don’t entirely agree. Perhaps it would be good to make a video that details that a bit more? Criterion A also creates a lot of confusion about what’s considered traumatic or not, like only situations of life and death (combat, war, car crashes, whatever) can cause it but the reality is really different and I think you’re really right when you mention it’s anything that overwhelms the nervous system at a particular moment. And also… many "resilient" people who think they got over it and do everything in life actually can be also dissociated and not even realizing there is something wrong on that level. With dissociative amnesia it’s really possible to run for a very, very long time just feeling there is something not quite right but forgetting it just right away, while having crises and not really registering they were crises. It’s been the case for me for a decade and it’s only with more recent retraumatization that the whole can of worms finally burst in the light. But before or even after that generally people perceive me as high-functioning, reasonable, resilient and well-adjusted, albeit a bit strange.

[@bolt2029]

5 years ago I found Katie when I was learning about ptsd. This was around the time I was diagnosed with it. I couldn’t believe I had it. But I wanted to learn everything about it. I also didn’t want PTSD to be who I am or to control me. I served in the Marine Corps from 2006 to 2010. I did two combat deployments to Iraq in 07- 08 and 08-09. I begged for Afghanistan in 09-10. I was told no and got out because I was not allowed to deploy again. I then became a police officer. Hindsight being 20-20 I had some issues I should’ve dealt with then that I just ignored because I didn’t think there was any way “I could have PTSD” because that would’ve made me weak and I wasn’t weak. Fast forward four years, while I was at work a friend of mine who was also a fellow law-enforcement officer committed suicide in front of me. I tried to help him but I couldn’t. This incident destroyed me. I didn’t believe a therapist could help how could they even understand. I ended up attempting suicide twice but never went through with it. I thought about my my baby girl at the time who was only a couple months old. I say she saved my life! That’s when I decided it was time I needed help I was diagnosed with PTSD anxiety and depression. So I wanted to learn everything I could about it how to “cure “myself. Therapy was working but it wasn’t enough I ended up getting recommended to going to the VA and seeing a psychiatrist and getting on meds. My symptoms now are suppressed and I’m doing so much better. But I want to get off medication so bad I know it seems silly and small inconvenience but I hate taking them. Now I am a crisis intervention officer and a peer support officer a huge advocate for therapy and therapist. I do everything I can to help combat the stigma of seeking help and mental illness. Thank you for doing what you do! You truly are helping!

[@shane4362]

❤️

[@handkmommy]

First and foremost, Thank you for your service. I have PTSD and take a lot of meds. I was sexually assaulted at work. Went through trial and definitely had no support from my job. I was drinking alcohol as often as I could and isolating. I got sober and until I was fully sober the therapy never worked at all. A combination of talk therapy, EMDR, biofeedback and online support groups helped me start to regain my confidence. Meds helped tremendously. Especially with the nightmares, which is why I would drink so much. I still have problems now and then, but getting help will 100% save lives.

[@Shortkonner]

Thanks girl, have a good day, thank you for all our help.

[@chelseahinton3247]

Thanks Kati. I just recently got diagnosed with PTSD. I found this video helpful. I knew I had symptoms of it for a while so it felt good to finally be diagnosed

[@piperjaycie]

I really don’t like how PTSD makes me to so rude to people. I’m not a rude person but when anyone I don’t know very well approaches me or talks to me I am terrified of them and react badly.

[@mrunixman1579]

I apologised to my work colleagues for being rude to them. I know what you mean by it.

[@thescribe4742]

Trauma is quite hard to define, isn't it. Though I do personally believe that recovery is possible, it's not easy. There's a lot of rewiring that has to take place and it all has to come over time. At least from my own personal experience with c-PTSD it was effectively how I operated for the vast majority of my life and I'm only now starting to change things. Not only does it tend to infect other aspects of life, it can outright destroy aspects of life too. Personal relationships, friendships, families, even the relationship you have with yourself, all of it can be destroyed by trauma. It's not a fun road to go down. Though there is always an ability to recover. Maybe not everything that was lost but perhaps some new things as well. New relationships, new ways of living, new ways of thinking but getting there can be terrifying. It's not a road I would wish on anyone.

[@Arcqueline]

I just can't believe we are born with more or less resilience. People who have more resilience typically have more resources, more support. You don't get ptsd from brain defects or character flaws.

[@Nor4x4Way]

by girlfriend has cptsd, it can be hard sometimes but im trying to help all i can, thanks for the tips

[@bigdave_cyber]

Magic shrooms🍄 got great benefits helps with ptsd and other disorders

[@bigdave_cyber]

☝️ Check the above out on IG he’s got great stuff, I found him with great difficulty, scammers are everywhere be careful. I got scammed before I met him. he’s the best. Check him out.

[@KelsonBurnsSenior]

Ordered your book. Very much looking forward to reading it...

[@tanyasobsessions2131]

Thanks so much for this vid! I now feel less embarrassed with all the other emotions i felt/feel about having PTSD. i'm going to think over my thoughts about talking to my therapist since i haven't wanted to talk about trauma with her and will CERTAINLY buy your new book once it comes out and will encourage my therapist to do the same as she's a trauma specialist who likes reading books on trauma and already read the book you mentioned in the vid and many others too.

[@AuntieExtrasCrafts]

I would also say another misconception is that we are faking it if we are able to hold a job. It's HARD and one thing to balance is shutting down emotionally to do our work because it would be too much otherwise, while at the same time feeling like our emotions when they come up aren't just anger, it's raw emotional pain without an outlet, remembered cause or purpose

[@fallonangel7919]

When i was 8 a huge traumatic experience happened with my dad, im not going to get into it but all im going to say is that i have PTSD with really loud sounds, specifically gunshots. Every 4th of july is pretty hard but there is 1 good thing about my trigger. I have no choice but to overcome it. I cant stop the fireworks or gunshots i hear, especially if they are unexpected. so every time i do hear it i realize how much i have overcome. It also made me realize that you cant heal from your triggers by avoiding them, facing them is hard at first but every time i do hear a loud sound, firework or gunshot. I remind myself that awful moment is over. Its in the past, and wont effect me. And now im able to enjoy fireworks without nearly as much ptsd as i used to have. If there is hope for me there is definitely hope for you.

[@morena6717]

Can't low resilience be considered a weakness? I found out that my resilience is very low and it takes me a long time to get past to even small trauma (even when those don't result in PTSD). And I consider that a weakness of mine on which I need to work on! I'm sure your book will be of help!

[@Almogit]

What about complex PTSD? Edit: I forgot to say I love the video and these misconceptions are beautifully addressed and explained! thank you!

[@lauragadille3384]

It's not just for Vets, anyone can have it. I struggle with it daily.

[@lucky15driver]

Good video Kati. I’m looking forward to reeding your new book.

[@larag1764]

I really appreciate how well you explain difficult concepts in your videos. I'm a huge fan of your channel n have learnt so much. Best wishes from Australia xx

[@ShaneBlackheart]

I needed to hear #6, although just today I finally said to my counselor that no matter what medications I've tried, or how much we adjust doses, and although I've been talking about the same things over and over, I feel I have treatment-resistant PTSD. Nothing is getting better, although I have had a hard year of being bullied online on top of the years of trauma I already am trying to deal with. No doctor, until my current one, had ever explained what some of the most severe PTSD symptoms are, and when I experienced them for the first time last year, I was terrified and lost because I thought I was losing my mind and having a psychotic break. But then I found out about EMDR because I have been in a constant PTSD loop for a year, and have been desperate to get out of it. I've described it to others like living in my own personal horror film day to day with no relief. But I am hoping EMDR will finally save me. It's the last thing I haven't tried. Thank you for this video, Kati. I'm going to preorder your book since I seemed to know a lot less about my condition than I realized.

[@Finn_River]

I hope things will get easier for you. Hurtful things are hurtful. We can learn to be alright with them even though its a bummer and be the best versions of ourselves because there will always be people in this world who choose to be apathetic.

[@ShaneBlackheart]

@@Finn_River thank you.

[@Finn_River]

@@ShaneBlackheart Very welcome ❤

[@user-wv5gv3dw5u]

Weirdly enough I took some NAC and it partially lifted the PTSD fog I've been living in for years. It was profound being able to feel agin even if it was only partially.

[@hanabenk4084]

What do you mean by NAK???

[@lttlod1]

Interesting information. I was diagnosed with Chronic PTSD and did about a year of talk therapy with a couple of therapists. I felt like I finally got passed much of it but have noticed that about 6 months after stopping therapy symptoms are creeping back in. I thought I got rid of them. I never fully understood what I was diagnosed with. My therapist was visibly irritated when I said I found it on my medical records online which I check occasionally to make sure claims go through properly. She never discussed it with me before or when I found it and I asked. I relied on videos like this to understand what was happening with me. I felt like talk therapy helped to an extent but I feel like the symptoms arise and I get really frustrated that they're back.

[@o-inaris7359]

Thank you!!!

[@not_enoughmana]

The DSM V criteria for PTSD really needs to be amended to incorporate other forms of trauma beyond the 2 it outlines. PTSD can be caused by many other factors.

[@Katimorton]

Couldn't agree with you more!!! xoxo

[@Akaruiumi31nihon]

I’ve PTSD related to medical experiences and treatments, because I was misdiagnosed as a child and treated for a condition I didn’t have. Recently, I have been finally diagnosed correctly with Dopa Responsive Dystonia. As I recover and regain control of my body, I still find certain things related to my past diagnosis and experiences quite triggering( like when someone talks about surgeries and therapies I didn’t really have to have and compares our cases). Nevertheless, I find that as I physically get better, thanks to the correct treatment I can brush it of easier. I just sometimes wish I could explain how much emotional pain asking about a particular surgery and recovery from it still causes! Even if that person just assumed same surgery = same diagnosis and was looking for help for her daughter, if only she knew!!!

[@elanahammer1076]

Thank you Kati. This is a very good video. 🤔🇺🇸❤️

[@GlenHunt]

I could add a hundred more misconceptions from having to live with this dreadful beast. "Everyone" needs to shut their traps and allow us to do what we need to do in order to heal.

[@siennaprice1351]

I have complex PTSD. I won’t go too much into detail because for one, my comment would be extremely too long. For two, if I get too into detail, it only brings up a lot of flashbacks. I’ll just say it was from many years of many forms of abuse. I’m also on the autism spectrum, and I’m physically challenged. I usually smack myself upside the head when I’m having flashbacks, I do it to try to snap myself out of them. I even try to hide my feelings and emotions because I don’t want others to know that I’m struggling. I do have 100% hope and belief that I will heal from my trauma.

[@platzaxo7293]

I wish you the best on your journey, stay strong 🌻

[@siennaprice1351]

@@platzaxo7293 thanks!

[@girlishgrrl]

My mom was extremely demanding on me and my sister. Our house had to be tined up when she arrived from work. Otherwise, she would be very agressive with us. Nowadays everytime I hear the sound of a keys, my heart starts to speed and I feel very anxious.

[@bigdave_cyber]

Micro-dosing got great benefit it helps in decreasing anxiety and depression. Try it.

[@bigdave_cyber]

☝️ Check the above out on IG he’s got great stuff, I found him with great difficulty, scammers are everywhere be careful. I got scammed before I met him. he’s the best. Check him out.

[@gilesbennett5681]

My PTSD can be treated by people keeping their f****** distance why can't people just leave other people alone why do they always have to be so social I am a type of person who very much enjoys my alone time I value my own time and I don't want to waste it dealing with other people

[@Leftfordead05]

I have CPTSD And I’ve never been violent towards anyone else violence is actually a trigger for me. I’m the person who can’t go to the grocery store without jumping. Loud noises of crowds ( or a sudden loud noise) and being around a bunch of people is a huge trigger for me and I dissociate in that situation. I think having the cops ask me if they need to bring me to a psych hospital because I told him I have PTSD and he looked at me like I was nuts because only soldiers get PTSD right. I’ve had repeated trauma. And one huge trauma I’m still working on. I Startle Really easily. I have a service dog to help me in public situations so I don’t dissociate and don’t have anxiety

[@mrunixman1579]

I had my nurse around my home yesterday for refusing to eat for 4 days. I know Trauma based mental health issues does not go away if ignored as I have done this too long.

[@thesunbehindthesun1574]

I am starting to think some of my more severe anxiety and panic symptoms I have been dealing with are PTSD. My Mother died in 2011, I found her dead and overdosed and had to perform CPR until the paramedics arrived. I would later learn she was already dead when I was performing chest compressions and mouth to mouth on her. She had severe alcoholism, legitimate fibromatosis disease, and BPD. I was her caretaker from age 15-22 when she finally passed away.

[@Lovemenot00]

Hiya Kati! I wanted to through out a disorder with misconceptions, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I am a suffering person of this disorder along with severe ptsd, depression/anxiety and sleep disorder. Society seems o be understanding bpd better as a whole and I'm very happy about that. My next hope is for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

[@craigmerkey8518]

Thank you very very much! It is helpful and amazing how you break it down simply! AND bud congratulations on your book!!

[@Nikki-2007]

Thank you Kati💜 can't wait to get your book🙂

[@Katimorton]

You are so welcome & thank you!

[@JennaGetsCreative]

I think another misconception about healing from PTSD (specically CPTSD) is that healing doesn't mean erasing. We might be able to take back our lives and move forward without always having to fight PTSD symptoms, but we don't forget what happened. We don't put rose coloured glasses on and forget that those things can happen or that those sorts of people do exist. I think about my husband and I and our parenting styles and how he's so much less worried about who our daughter's with or what plans are because the worst case scenerios are things that happen to other people in his world. The suspects on Criminal Minds and CSI are just bad guys on a TV show. He doesn't mind which house on the street our daughter's hanging out at as long as she's back when she's supposed to be because all the kids seem happy enough and the police have never been called to this street. I know that's not how it works, and I need to know the parents first. Part of this is momma bear instincts but part of this is not having the luxury of ignorance.

[@quasi8180]

I feel way better when im alone and hate going to the grocer store cause the clerks are so.chatty. whenmy gran was getting bad with dementia id lash out and my aunt would say to control it but i didnt know how not to yell in frustration.

[@bigdave_cyber]

☝️☝️the above sells 🍄💊 checking him out his the best.

[@Kaytecando]

Great info, as usual. What about complex PTSD?

[@smartypants1980]

You are so great to your job! I had a Dr that was still in school that was really good but she grauated.

[@kaleighwatson9881]

I know this isn’t related to this video, but could you please do a video on breadwinner vs homemaker dynamics? It would be so helpful to me to understand a healthy dynamic as a stay at home mom and newly married with no role models who had a successful marriage in my life.

[@Finn_River]

A successful marriage is when two people are caring and understanding of eachothers' feelings and points of view and are willing to continuously make effort for that relationship to be healthy.

[@xpinkwombat]

thanks kati! this was really comforting 💗

[@Spartan-mz8fo]

Gracias mi Amiga

[@owlie1744]

thank you! I really appreciate your videos and your work

[@Panicscroll69]

Ordered my copy. Can’t wait to read it.

[@stephenrask536]

#4 and #5 stick out as the two frustrating myths for me lol, very true. I made it to 36 years old before I finally mentally cracked and was diagnosed with ptsd. Childhood ACES 10/10 never dealt with... and then various trauma from 18 years in the army before that crack moment that lead to my medical discharge for a PTSD diagnosis.