Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is something many young people know about, especially through social media or conversations around mental health. But now, experts are pushing for a name change to help people get the help they need. They want to rename PTSD to “posttraumatic stress injury” (PTSI). Why? Well, research shows that calling it a “disorder” can make people, especially military personnel, feel stigmatized or “broken,” which can stop them from seeking treatment.
Dr. Eugene Lipov, a leading voice in this movement, believes that calling it an “injury” might encourage more people to reach out for help—just like you would for a broken arm. Lipov and others argue that PTSD affects the brain in ways that can be measured, so it’s more like a physical injury than a vague “disorder.”
This shift could make a big difference in mental health treatment. If people see PTSD as an injury rather than a disorder, it could reduce shame and fear around seeking help, potentially saving lives. Though the name change was rejected by the American Psychiatric Association for now, advocates like Lipov are continuing to push for this important update.
For anyone dealing with trauma, whether from personal experiences or as a result of stressful situations, this potential shift is a reminder that mental health struggles deserve the same level of care and attention as physical injuries.
