Abstract
In the U.S., there is a large number of people who struggle with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a consequence of one or several traumatic experiences. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 8 percent of Americans could have PTSD at any given time—that is 24.4 million. Between 11 and 20 percent of veterans who were involved in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD. Also, an estimated 12 percent of Gulf War veterans are coping with PTSD, as well as 30 percent of Vietnam veterans. But it is not only the military population who has to struggle with this problem; anyone can. There are several kinds of experiences that can lead to trauma and the problems associated with it: child abuse, sexual abuse, shooting victims, kidnappings, assault, bullying, domestic violence, amongst others. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there are four main cluster symptoms for PTSD: avoidance symptoms, re ‐experimenting symptoms, hyperarousal symptoms, and negative changes in beliefs and feelings. It is common for people with PTSD to try to avoid thoughts, conversations, and situations that can trigger memories of the traumatic events. Paradoxically, this avoidance will lead to an increase in re‐experimenting symptoms, such as nightmares, flashbacks, and intruding thoughts related to the traumatic experience. These avoiding and re ‐ experimenting symptoms would prolong arousal symptoms like sleeping problems, difficulties with concentration, irritability, and hypervigilance. After this, the negative beliefs and feelings would be reinforced due to what Daniel Wegner called ironic rebound or the "white bear problem." This is a process in which the intent of suppressing thoughts makes them more likely to happen. The ironic rebound happens because while a conscious part of us is trying to suppress the thoughts, another unconscious part of us is monitoring whether we are successful in our task or not. As a result of this, a paradoxical effect takes place, and more thoughts appear. To make this explanation simple, stop reading this article now and try not to think about a polar bear for the next minute. After that minute, ask yourself if you were successful at the task, and then come back to read our article. US