When someone lives through a traumatic event, they can eventually develop post-traumatic stress disorder. While living through trauma does not always lead to PTSD, many people who experience trauma do end up with this condition.
However, PTSD is not always defined by a singular traumatic event. For people in certain occupations, such as first responders, cumulative PTSD is a serious risk.
But first responders and others at risk of this condition may not even know what cumulative PTSD, as this form of PTSD is not widely understood or recognized. Here’s why first responders are at risk of cumulative PTSD, and what the symptoms look like.
Multiple Traumatic Events
Someone can develop PTSD after one traumatic incident. But PTSD can also develop as the result of several traumatic events over time. First responders witness other people’s trauma on a daily basis. Furthermore, they often have to put themselves into situations where they are risking their own lives to save others. Over time, this can lead to PTSD.
First responders might think that they’re desensitized to these events, or that they’ve learned to deal with these complicated emotions in a healthy way. But dealing with traumatic situations over and over again can take a toll on anyone’s mental health, even if they’re emotionally resilient.
Symptoms Worsening Over Time
When someone develops PTSD after a specific traumatic event, it can feel like the symptoms come on suddenly. A month or two after the event, they might realize that they’re still struggling to cope with the aftermath. But when it comes to cumulative PTSD, you may notice your symptoms worsening over time instead. With each passing event, it can become harder and harder to deal with emotional distress.
It’s Hard to Diagnose
Cumulative PTSD can be difficult to diagnose. When someone has symptoms of PTSD that crop up after a particular event, they will probably notice an issue early on. They may not seek help right away, but chances are, they’ll be aware that something hasn’t felt quite right since the event.
But with cumulative PTSD, you may not be able to identify your symptoms right away. They can worsen gradually, without seeming connected to one event, which makes it harder to identify what you’re dealing with.
Lack of Coping Skills
After living through so many traumatic events, it can get harder and harder to cope each time it happens again. When you started your career as a first responder, you might have been able to process what you were witnessing at work, or felt like you were able to “bounce back” emotionally. But now, you can’t get your trauma off of your mind. It feels like a black cloud hanging over you at all times.
No matter how much you want to relax and let these feelings go, it seems like there’s nothing you can do to shake them.
Pressure to Suppress Feelings
Why is cumulative PTSD so common amongst first responders and people in similar occupations? Yes, it’s partially just the nature of the job, but it’s also because many people who go into these fields feel like they need to stay strong all the time.
Admitting that something is wrong means showing weakness and vulnerability in a field where people are depending on you to be tough and heroic. It can be difficult to speak up, say that you’re struggling, and ask for help. But in the long run, ignoring these feelings will only make things worse.
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Do you suspect that you’re struggling with cumulative PTSD? Talking to a therapist can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session for trauma therapy.