A huge misunderstanding around Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is that it’s most prevalent in military personnel and veterans, but based on calculations from government data, about 90% of people with PTSD have never been to war.
對創傷後壓力症候群很大的一個誤解是它主要常見於軍事人員跟退伍軍人，但據官方數據統計，在創傷後壓力症候群的患者中，約有 90% 從未參戰過.
Instead, they are survivors of abuse and assault, car accidents, natural disasters, and other forms of trauma.
相反地，他們是虐待、性侵害、交通事故、天災以及其它形式的創傷之下的倖存者.
This condition affects their everyday lives, which begs the question, What Is It Like To Have PTSD?
這個症狀影響他們的日常生活，讓我們想問，患有創傷後壓力症候群是什麼樣子 ?
In any given year, about 8 million Americans deal with this condition.
每年有約 800 萬的美國人受此症狀困擾.
It can arise after significant trauma and cause flashbacks, severe anxiety, nightmares, and extreme sadness.
這個症狀可能發生在重大創傷事件後，並且會導致情境再現、重度焦慮、惡夢以及極度憂傷.
People with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can feel emotionally numb, even with those they’re close to.
有創傷後壓力症候群的人在情緒上會變得麻木，即使與他們親近的人相處時也是.
They might have trouble sleeping, get startled easily, and lose interest in their passions.
他們可能會有睡眠問題、容易受驚嚇、並且對他們有興趣的事物失去熱情
It can affect someone’s work, home and social life.
這會影響到一個人的工作、家庭以及社交生活
After a traumatic event, most people heal fully in a few weeks or months, but those who don’t can go on to develop PTSD.
在創傷事件發生後，大部分的人會在數週或數月內完全復原，但那些無法走出傷痛的人們則可能會產生壓力後創傷症候群.
The condition could arise right after the event or show up years later.
這個症狀可能會在事件過後或是幾年後才發生
It can occur at any age and last anywhere from one month to many years.
它可能發生在任何年齡層並持續一個月到好幾年
One of the main defining characteristics of PTSD is the flashbacks, also called intrusive memories.
壓力後創傷症候群最主要的一個反應是情境再現，也被稱為侵入性記憶.
These experiences seemingly bring the individual back to the moments of trauma.
這些體驗將個人帶回創傷事件發生的時刻.
While they may not visually see what they experienced, they feel it all over again.
雖然他們並非真的看到所經歷過的事件，但他們又從頭感受一次.
These flashbacks can come out of nowhere or be brought on by a trigger.
這樣的情境再現可能天外飛來一筆，或由某個因素所觸發.
For example, if you got shot outside a convenience store, a car backfiring may remind you of the gunshot and bring you right back to that horrific moment.
舉例來說，如果你曾在一個便利商店外遭受槍擊，汽車引擎的逆火聲可能會讓你想起那場槍擊事件並讓你回到過去那個恐怖的當下
People with PTSD may stay away from people, places or activities that remind them of the trauma to avoid being triggered.
為了避免再激發創傷，有創傷後壓力症候群的患者或許會避開會讓他們想起過往的人群、地點或是活動.
Other defense mechanisms come into play subconsciously with PTSD.
其他的防禦機制對創傷後壓力症候群來說也扮演重要的角色
People may have trouble remembering major parts of a trauma and even repress memories completely.
人們可能不太記得創傷事故的主要部分，且甚至會完全壓抑這部分的記憶.
It’s thought that this could be the brain’s way of protecting someone from the traumatic memories.
這被認為是大腦從創傷記憶中保護患者的一種方式.
This could mean someone might not remember being shot outside that convenience store at all.
這可能意味者患者可能完全不記得自己曾在便利商店外遭受槍擊
There are a number of differences in brains of people with PTSD.
罹患壓力後創傷症候群的患者們在腦部上有很多不同
The amygdala, which is tied to fear processing, and the left hippocampus, which is partially responsible for memories, are smaller in people with PTSD.
他們的處理恐懼情緒相關的杏仁核跟處理記憶的海馬體左半部比常人來得小.
It’s also thought that the brain’s Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis can’t regulate stress hormones properly, contributing to PTSD symptoms and causing intense waves of stress, fear, and depression.
又有一說是大腦的下視丘－腦垂腺－腎上腺軸無法好好調節壓力荷爾蒙因而導致創傷後壓力症候群徵狀並造成高度壓力、恐懼以及憂鬱.
Other physical effects of PTSD can be found in the neural, endocrine and immune systems.
創傷後壓力症候群在身體上的其它影響可表現在神經、內分泌以及免疫系統上
This disorder has even been directly linked to increased incidences of autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders and infertility.
這種身心失調的狀況與自體免疫性疾病、心血管疾病、肌肉骨骼疾病和不孕症其日益增加的發生率有直接關聯性.
Anyone who has experienced a trauma is susceptible to PTSD.
任何曾經遭遇創傷的人都可能罹患創傷後壓力症候群
But people with childhood trauma, poor support systems, or history of mental illness or substance abuse are all at increased risk of developing PTSD...
然而有兒時創傷、支持系統較薄弱、曾患有心理疾病或是有藥物濫用紀錄的人們，都有較高的機率發展為創傷後壓力症候群.
Women and girls are also more likely to experience sexual abuse or assault, which could be a.
成年女性及女孩更易遭受性虐待或性侵，這可能是
contributing factor to this huge influx of female PTSD.
創傷後壓力症候群在女性患者數量激增的原因之一
Unfortunately, societal support for PTSD survivors is lacking, especially for those outside the military, but getting help is crucial.
不幸地，對創傷後壓力症候群的倖存者來說，在社會支援方面缺乏支援，特別是對那些退伍軍人而言，但關鍵在於得到幫助.
You can reduce the risk of developing PTSD after a traumatic event by seeking out support from loved ones, support groups and professionals.
藉由向所愛的人們、互助協會跟專業人員求助，你可以降低在痛苦事件後罹患創傷後壓力症候群的機率.
You will be okay.
你會沒事的
Links to free resources are down the description below.
取得免費資源的連結如下
Are there any other conditions you’d like us to explore?
是否還有其它你希望我們探討的症狀 ?
Let us know in the comment section below.
在下方的留言區告訴我們.
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