Obviously, this is a controversial topic to discuss on a blog that is generally dedicated to raising awareness of PTSD, particularly how it is constantly written off as "just stress." But could the overuse of the word "trauma" be a direct influence in incorrectly labelling trauma victims as stressed? People can feel a range of emotions in a difficult situation, such as anxiety, panic, confusion. These feelings are very real, and 100% require acknowledgement. Yet, not every experience meets the clinical descriptions of trauma/PTSD. Such semantic inflation unintentionally harms those suffering from PTSD.

Now, back to healthism - because believe it or not, there is a link here! Although it goes unnoticed, healthism promotes the obsession with self-diagnosis and labelling of symptoms. Such a culture pushes society to interpret ordinary situations through medicalised language. Blaming particular individuals for this increase, would simply be incorrect. It is an issue that many have ultimately adapted too, with most oblivious to the influences at play.

The use of the term "trauma," for mild situations makes individuals with PTSD harder to identify amongst a society, where nearly everyone is deemed traumatized. This results in their symptoms being written off as just stress. It is important we bring awareness to this implication, in order to prevent the situation from worsening, and to ensure that true trauma survivors are given the grace they deserve.