Granny Called It “Bad Nerves” — Your Doctor Calls It PTSD

“Some people’s lives seem to flow in a narrative; mine had many stops and starts. That’s what trauma does. It interrupts the plot. You can’t process it because it doesn’t fit with what came before or what comes afterwards.”

― Jessica Stern

If time is a ship carrying us forever forward, we can think of PTSD as a sea anchor, deploying at the most inopportune moments, dragging us back to the memories we’d give anything to forget. 

Here’s to the uncle who drank in excess to calm his nerves. And that awkward cousin who could barely function in large crowds. Or your favorite nephew, whose entire afternoon was ruined after a random, loud bang.

It’s not just bad nerves; it’s post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Although Black people have the highest prevalence of PTSD, persistent cultural stigmas keep this topic taboo. Let’s dive into the history, variations, and treatment options of this condition. 

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What is PTSD?

Defined as a mental health disorder in an individual who experienced or witnessed a devastatingly traumatic event, PTSD impacts approximately 8.7 percent of Black Americans.  

Traumatic events that can trigger PTSD include: 

• War 
• A natural disaster 
• Abuse 
• Sexual Assault 

Six common PTSD symptoms are: 

• Flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again in the present.
• Nightmares: Recurring, distressing dreams about the trauma.
• Intrusive thoughts: Unwanted, spontaneous, and repeated memories of what happened.
• Emotional numbness: Difficulty experiencing positive emotions, feeling detached from loved ones, or losing interest in previously enjoyed activities.
• Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on guard, keyed up, or looking out for danger.
• Exaggerated startle response: Being easily frightened or startled by sudden noises or movements.

PTSD’s History 

Historical literature helps us understand that PTSD is as old as human civilization. Did you know that symptoms of trauma were recorded in mankind’s first epic: The Tale of Gilgamesh? 

From Da Costa’s syndrome during the Civil War to shell shock during World War I, the medical community began categorizing trauma more closely, primarily linking it to the battlefield.

Though PTSD eventually expanded to include civilians and children, the disorder was born from doctors trying to understand the physical, mental, and emotional effects of war trauma. 

Here’s a quick overview of the medical evolution of modern-day PTSD, as documented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM): 

• 1952 (DSM-I):
  • The American Psychiatric Association (APA) included a temporary diagnosis called “gross stress reaction,” related to psychological issues stemming from traumatic events (including combat and disasters). 
  • The diagnosis was removed entirely in the 1968 DSM-II. 

• 1980 (DSM-III):
  • For the first time, PTSD was officially recognized as a distinct mental health diagnosis.
  • This recognition came from research involving survivors of severe trauma, like Holocaust survivors and victims of sexual trauma.

• 2013 (DSM-5):
  • Ongoing research led to a significant change: PTSD was no longer classified as an anxiety disorder.
  • It was moved to a new category called Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders, acknowledging its connection to various mood states.

“Emotional neglect, alone, causes children to abandon themselves and to give up on the formation of a self. They do so to preserve an illusion of connection with the parent and to protect themselves from the danger of losing that tenuous connection. This typically requires a great deal of self-abdication, e.g., the forfeiture of self-esteem, self-confidence, self-care, self-interest, and self-protection.”

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― Pete Walker, Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving

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3 Types of PTSD

Acute PTSD

• What it is: A short-term response that typically lasts between one and three months following a single, isolated traumatic event. If the condition lasts longer than three months, it is typically classified as chronic. 
• Key Symptoms: Intense fear, flashbacks, severe anxiety, and avoidance behaviors. 

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)*

• What it is: Often recognized as a distinct diagnosis, C-PTSD results from prolonged, repeated, or multiple traumas rather than a single event. It frequently stems from childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity. 
• Key Symptoms: In addition to classic PTSD symptoms (i.e., flashbacks, nightmares), individuals experience deep struggles with emotional regulation, persistent feelings of shame or worthlessness, and difficulty maintaining relationships or trusting others. 

Delayed-Onset PTSD 

• What it is: A type of PTSD where full diagnostic criteria for the disorder are not met until at least six months or more after the original traumatic event. 
• Key Symptoms: The brain may initially suppress or compartmentalize the trauma to allow the individual to function. Symptoms can suddenly surface later when a new stressor, life change, or unexpected trigger activates the suppressed memories.

Of the three PTSD types above, CPTSD remains incredibly misunderstood, even across medical communities. Imagine your capacity for relationships as a gorgeous vase. Complex PTSD fractures it with tiny fissures and deep cracks, making its sole purpose—holding water—feel impossible. A relationship may begin beautifully, but the trauma slowly weeps moisture from the clay until the vase sits empty again. 

*Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is officially recognized in the World Health Organization’s ICD-11 as a distinct diagnosis. While the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM does not list it as an independent condition, many clinicians widely recognize and treat it based on international criteria and trauma history.

Mind the [PTSD Treatment] Gap 

There’s an undeniable gap between the high prevalence of PTSD in our community and the percentage of Black Americans who seek out mental health treatment. 

Statistics show that only about 37 percent of Black Americans with PTSD seek professional intervention, compared to over 50 percent of our white counterparts. 

While systemic barriers such as the lack of health insurance, transportation, and underfunded healthcare facilities limit access to care, cultural stigma and a lack of cultural competency among healthcare professionals place mountains in front of viable treatment options. 

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More than 80 percent of Black Americans are very concerned about the stigma associated with mental illness, which discourages them from seeking treatment. And healthcare professionals believe the path forward must include: 

• offering affordable healthcare options. 
• raising awareness in our communities. 
• increasing cultural competency. 
• creating safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive environments

Living with PTSD is a daily exercise in patience and grace. If you’re reading this and your nervous system is on edge, or if you feel isolated by your own trauma, I want you to know you aren’t the only one. 

I share this diagnosis, so we are in this together! 

From Internal Family Systems to EMDR, there are several treatments to explore. I eventually landed in both modalities. 

But, for me, the path of healing began by just listening to others’ stories while slowly building the courage to share mine. 

RELATED: 4 Myths About PTSD Debunked

4 PTSD Tips for Everyday Life 

• Buy Noise-Canceling & Earplugs: Active noise-canceling headphones are excellent for blocking out unpredictable sounds. For a more discreet option at your desk, try high-fidelity earplugs like Loop Earplugs, which lower decibels without blocking speech. 

• Request Light Dimmers & Filters: Harsh fluorescent lights are notorious for triggering sympathetic nervous system responses. Request a cubicle/desk position away from glare, or use a Cover Your Lights magnetic or fabric light filter to soften the overhead brightness.
• Use Fidgets for Tactile Grounding: Discreet fidgets help discharge nervous energy and anchor you to the present moment. Items like textured “pop-it” mats, smooth worry stones, or under-the-desk tension bands can be kept within arm’s reach without drawing unnecessary attention. 
• Use Digital Body Doubling Services: Body doubling involves sharing a space with someone else while you complete a challenging or anxiety-inducing task. Their simple presence provides a sense of safety and external structure that keeps you grounded. Try online coworking spaces or virtual body-doubling apps like Focusmate to connect with others on a video call while you all tackle your respective tasks. 

Whether it’s day one or year 16 (hey twin), organizations like the 988 Lifeline and the Complex PTSD Foundation offer culturally competent and cost-effective treatment options for wherever you are on this lifelong journey!