Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more common than you may realize. It is estimated that around 12 million U.S. adults suffer from PTSD in a given year. PTSD occurs after a traumatic or stressful event and can cause major difficulties for the individuals impacted by this condition. As a result, those suffering from PTSD may attempt to avoid anything related to the traumatic event as a means of coping.
What is PTSD?
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a type of trauma- and stressor-related disorder that occurs after an individual is exposed to an event that is extremely distressing, stressful, or horrific. PTSD can be caused by a range of events, including but not limited to personal loss, violent assaults, serious health conditions, abuse, neglect, bullying, and harassment.
When an individual has PTSD, they may relive a traumatic experience over and over. This could be through nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and memories. Reliving traumatic events can have a serious impact on an individual’s mental health. They may struggle to concentrate, control their emotions, and even perform daily activities. They may blame themselves and develop shame or guilt. Additionally, they may become easily startled, hypervigilant, or disconnected from those around them or themselves. They may struggle to obtain restful sleep and opportunities of relief. These struggles may further compromise an individual’s ability to function well academically, professionally, socially, and in many other areas.
The symptoms of PTSD can range from mild to severe and can be very persistent and hard to overcome without intervention. As PTSD can be very disturbing for those affected, people with this condition may try to do everything they can to avoid resurfacing feelings.
What is the Role of Avoidance in PTSD?
Avoidance is one of the core symptoms of PTSD. Avoidance occurs when an individual actively tries to minimize contact with anything that could cause anxiety, fear, or distress. An individual with PTSD may attempt to avoid uncomfortable emotions, feelings, and thoughts related to a traumatic event. Or they may attempt to avoid places that remind them of the event, people they associate with the event, or anything that can resurface unsettling memories of the event.
Symptoms of Avoidance in PTSD
If someone is engaging in avoidance, they may not want to talk about thoughts and feelings connected to a traumatic experience, as talking about these may further increase discomfort.
Additionally, they may avoid activities, memories, and people associated with the trauma and may also block certain memories. They may not recall certain details or struggle to remember specific events.
Why Avoidance Makes PTSD Worse
The reason avoidance can have a negative effect on PTSD is that it reinforces feelings of fear and anxiety. We often learn through repetition, as this is what is comfortable for us.
If individuals regularly engage in avoidance, they have fewer opportunities to develop effective coping skills for managing distressing feelings, thoughts, and memories. As a result, symptoms of PTSD may persist. When struggling with PTSD, regularly avoiding triggers and stressors may worsen the impact of trauma and an individual’s ability to function.
PTSD and avoidance are deeply related to one another. Avoidance is actually a key symptom of PTSD, as those who suffer may try to avoid anything that serves as a reminder of the traumatic event they faced.
While avoidance may seem to work in the short term, avoidance can cause long-term struggles. If you or someone you know is experiencing PTSD, it’s important to speak to a licensed therapist, counselor, medication management provider, or another mental health professional for advice and treatment.
Reach out to us to learn more about trauma treatment at Mindful Mental and Behavioral Health PLLC.
Ready to Break the Cycle of Avoidance? Let’s Take That First Step Together.
Avoidance may feel like protection, but over time, it can quietly hold you back from the life you want to live. At Mindful Mental and Behavioral Health PLLC, we understand how difficult it can be to face the symptoms of PTSD, especially when they’re tied to deep pain, fear, or past trauma. Follow the steps below to start your healing journey.
- Reach out today to connect with a provider who will meet you with empathy, not judgment. Or self-schedule an appointment here!
- Explore more insights on trauma, recovery, and PTSD in our blogs.
- Learn how PTSD therapy and medication management can support your healing process—at your pace, on your terms.
Other Services We Offer in Addition to Trauma Treatment in Portland, Oregon
We offer a variety of services to support your mental health and overall well-being. In addition to trauma therapy and PTSD treatment, our team of trauma therapists also provides bipolar disorder therapy, depression therapy, and anxiety counseling. We’re dedicated to creating a compassionate, judgment-free space where you can process your experiences and begin to heal. For those who may benefit from an integrative approach, we also offer medication management to ensure your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs.
About the Author: Andrna’ Christopher, PMHNP-BC
Andrna’ Christopher, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, and bipolar disorders—and offers care that’s grounded in compassion, respect, and collaboration. In her work, Andrna focuses on thoughtful medication management while bringing warmth and openness to each session. She believes in working with you to find the right treatment plan—not just prescribing and moving on. Her goal is always to help you feel better, not just manage symptoms. When she’s not working, Andrna loves spending time with her family, taking walks, and picking up litter to help keep her community beautiful.
