Believe it or not, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is pretty common among nurses, especially if they work in a high-intensity specialty. Being continuously exposed to intense and traumatic events places nurses and other healthcare workers/providers at a high risk for developing PTSD. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with mental health can make it difficult or even scary to ask for help. 

What Are The Triggers For PTSD In Nurses?

PTSD within the healthcare field is REAL. But it’s also something that’s not really discussed among nurses. Many nurses and healthcare workers are afraid to come forward about mental health issues for fear of losing their jobs or licenses. As a result, PTSD often gets masked by unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, negative self-talk, excessive spending, doomscrolling, etc. However, the reality is that PTSD in nursing is grounded in the very nature of the job.

Nurses are entrenched in environments where they are repeatedly exposed to highly stressful and traumatic scenarios. This exposure is not limited to any specific area within healthcare; it spans across emergency rooms, intensive care units, and even pediatric units. Each setting carries its own set of traumatic experiences, including the sudden loss of patients, witnessing severe suffering, or making life-altering decisions under pressure. Dealing with these kinds of experiences on a regular basis can erode a nurse’s psychological defenses, leading to PTSD. 

The misconception that PTSD is exclusive to combat veterans overlooks the reality that trauma can stem from any event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. For nurses, the trauma may not always be physical but often emotional and psychological. The overall effect of daily exposure to pain, death, and crisis can act as a slow-burning fuse, leading to PTSD in nursing. Symptoms can show up in various forms, such as:

• Intrusive Thoughts: Some nurses may find themselves haunted by vivid memories of traumatic incidents, unable to shake the images of the pain they’ve witnessed or the decisions they’ve had to make. 
• Avoidance: A common symptom of PTSD is the avoidance of situations, thoughts, or feelings related to the trauma. Some nurses might avoid certain areas of the hospital, certain types of patients, or even discussions about work, as these can trigger distressing memories. 
• Hyperarousal: This can manifest as being easily startled, feeling “on edge,” or experiencing heightened anxiety, especially in environments that remind them of traumatic events. 
• Emotional Numbing: Nurses may detach themselves from their emotions, displaying a lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy or feeling distant from loved ones. This numbing is a coping mechanism to manage the overwhelming emotions that are associated with trauma.
• Impaired Functioning: The impact of PTSD can extend into personal life and work performance, affecting relationships, social activities, and the ability to provide patient care. 

What Does PTSD Look Like In Nurses?

Understanding the manifestation of PTSD in nursing is incredibly important for early intervention. PTSD can show up in ways that aren’t readily seen:

At Work

• Decreased Concentration: PTSD makes it challenging to concentrate, making it even harder to make critical decisions. 
• Not Wanting To Show Up: Struggling with PTSD symptoms can make the simple thought of going to work overwhelming, leading to increased callouts and mental health days. 
• Change In Performance: There could be a noticeable decline in quality of work. This can lead to more errors and a lack of attention to detail that is uncharacteristic of their usual performance. 

With Interpersonal Relationships

• Withdrawal From Colleagues: Nurses who are experiencing PTSD might want to isolate themselves from their peers and avoid social interactions that they previously engaged in. 
• Irritability With Patients And Staff: PTSD can lead to short tempers and lack of patience, which can affect communication and relationships.

Personal Life

• Sleep Disturbance: Nightmares about traumatic work experiences or general insomnia can lead to chronic fatigue, affecting both personal well-being and professional performance. 
• Emotional Changes: Significant emotional changes, including increased anxiety, depression, or feelings of guilt and hopelessness, are common. Some nurses may even question their career choice or their ability to perform the job. 
• Substance Abuse: In an attempt to cope with their symptoms, some nurses may turn to alcohol or drugs, which can lead to substance abuse disorders. 

Physical Symptoms

• Somatic Symptoms: Nurses with PTSD can experience physical symptoms without a clear medical cause, such as headaches, GI issues, or even chronic pain, which are often stress-related.

Identifying the signs of PTSD will require self-awareness and support from someone trustworthy. Having a friend or professional who can encourage open discussions about mental health and offer an environment that is safe for talking about these issues. 

How To Cope With PTSD As A Nurse

Coping with PTSD will take time. It’s going to require both personal strategies and maybe even professional help. However, the first step is to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms. 

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

This type of coping may provide temporary relief but ultimately exacerbate PTSD symptoms.

• Substance Abuse: Turning to alcohol, drugs, or excessive partying to numb feelings will ultimately lead to health problems in the future. 
• Avoidance: While avoidance triggers may seem beneficial, complete avoidance of certain places, people, or thoughts related to trauma prevents healing and can limit personal and professional growth. 
• Overworking: Immersing oneself in work to avoid dealing with trauma can lead to burnout and neglect of personal health and relationships.

Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Adopting healthy coping mechanisms can significantly improve quality of life and enhance the ability to manage PTSD symptoms. 

• Don’t Be Afraid To Seek Professional Help: Engaging with a mental health professional who specializes in PTSD can provide valuable tools for managing symptoms. Therapy options that are super helpful include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and medication for symptom management. 
• Peer Support: Connecting with friends or coworkers who understand the stresses of nursing can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. 
• Self-Care: Incorporating activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness meditation, and proper sleep, can help manage stress and improve overall health. 
• Developing Coping Skills: Learning and practicing stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization, can help in moments of anxiety or acute stress. 
• Educate Yourself About PTSD: Understanding PTSD and its effects can help nurses recognize the symptoms within themselves and seek help earlier. Education also opens doors for self-reflection, recognizing these symptoms as a response to trauma. 
• Seek or Create a Supportive Work Environment: If it’s possible to leave a toxic work environment, LEAVE. No job is worth your mental and physical health. 

Dealing with PTSD as a nurse demands courage, awareness, and the support of a community that understands the unique challenges faced by those in the healthcare profession. Nurses, like their patients, need care and attention to their mental health. 

Are you a nurse who has struggled with mental health? What were your coping mechanisms? Let us know in the comments!