PTSD is not a f***ing expression.

Almost daily, I read in an email, hear in a podcast, or read in a blog post something like, “Wow, I have PTSD from all these emails.” Or,”I think my startup pitch gave me PTSD.”

For some reason, it seems that PTSD is the mental illness that everyone likes to throw around.

Before anyone starts yelling about political correctness, this isn’t about that. It is about showing some human decency for a very real condition, that affects a lot of people.

The media portrays PTSD sufferers as individuals who are going to flip out at any moment at the slightest provocation. Yes, increased irritability is a symptom of PTSD, but it doesn’t mean that everyone who has experienced trauma is going to go on an armed rampage.

Like other physical and mental illnesses, people with PTSD can come across as “totally normal” while quietly dealing with their condition.

Some people may not even realize they are dealing with it. We all respond to things differently, so what may affect one person doesn’t bother another.

Here are the things people with PTSD deal with on a daily basis, for years after the trauma that caused the condition.

• Waking up drenched in sweat from a nightmare of being back in the situation.
• Jumping or ducking every time they are surprised by a loud sound.
• Fear of being in a crowded place, or if they are, instead of enjoying the concert or film or whatever, constantly scanning for threats.
• Not being able to enjoy movies or TV shows that remind them of their traumatic experience.

Many of the people who deal with PTSD are, among other things, fighting for our freedom, protecting the public, or rescuing people from burning buildings. They have seen or experienced things that no person ever should.

They may or may not know they are dealing with PTSD and, if they suspect, are afraid to speak up about it so that it doesn’t damage future career opportunities.

Maybe before throwing around a term like PTSD, take a moment to actually think about what it means.

And, on a side note, if your email is causing these types of issues, then you probably should seek professional help.

Please hit recommend and share on your favorite social networks to spread the message. I look forward to reading your responses here or on Twitter.