National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Lies About PTSD

“Though PTSD cannot be cured, it can be treated and managed in several ways,” claims the National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) on its page about PTSD. Hogwash!

NAMI’s claim that “PTSD cannot be cured” is misleading and disempowering. It is irresponsible, especially when Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and lived experiences like mine demonstrate otherwise.

IPNB shows us that the human nervous system evolved to heal and adapt when supported properly. PTSD is the result of a dysregulated nervous system stuck in survival states due to overwhelming trauma. By creating the right conditions—safe relationships, somatic practices, and environments that foster regulation—the nervous system can return to balance and PTSD symptoms diminish or even disappear entirely.

My own experience aligns with this. I’ve made strides in healing that many would call “impossible” under this ossified mindset. Claiming PTSD is incurable perpetuates a narrative of hopelessness, rather than empowering people to pursue meaningful recovery and transformation. The truth is, that healing is possible. With effective support and a basic understanding of our nervous system, we can reclaim our lives.

About Shay Seaborne, CPTSD

Shay Seaborne CPTSD teaches Relational Neuroscience for stress reduction, trauma recovery, and community building. Shay has studied the neurobiology of fear / trauma /PTSD since 2014 and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) since 2019. They write, speak, teach, and make art to convey their experiences as well as their understanding of the neurobiology of fear, trauma theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology concepts, and principles of trauma recovery. A native of Northern Virginia, Shay settled in Delaware to sail KALMAR NYCKEL, the state’s tall ship. But once they finally had mental health insurance, their life rapidly changed. The standard treatment for PTSD nearly killed them. The psychiatric abuse began a cascade of negative medical encounters that repeatedly caused additional harm and the development of severe Medical PTSD. Shay wishes everyone could recognize that "mental health problems" are symptoms of dysregulation, our mainstream culture is neuro-negative, and we can heal ourselves and each other through awareness, understanding, and safe connection.

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