Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a stress reaction triggered by either witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Examples of events that can trigger PTSD include:

• Physical and/or sexual abuse

• Exposure to combat

• Being assaulted or threatened with a weapon

• Accidents (car crashes, plane crashes, etc.)

• Natural disasters

• Extreme or life-threatening events such as torture, kidnapping, or robbery

 

PTSD symptoms occur in four categories:

• Intrusive memories: You may be reliving the event over and over in sudden flashbacks, or experiencing it in nightmares.

• Avoidance: You may avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event, along with places, people, or activities that remind you of it.

• Negative changes in thinking and mood: These can include difficulty maintaining relationships and a sense of emotional numbness.

• Changes in physical and emotional reactions: These can include an elevated startle response, self-destructive behavior, and trouble sleeping or concentrating.

PTSD can develop immediately, or even months or years after the traumatic event.