Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a while, but they don’t have PTSD — with time and good self-care, they usually get better. But if the symptoms get worse or last for months or even years and interfere with your functioning, you may have PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD:
Reliving
Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:
* Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
* Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
* Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event
* Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the event
Avoiding
Symptoms of avoidance may include:
* Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
* Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Increased Arousal
A person with PTSD often experiences excessive emotions, difficulty falling or staying asleep, irritability, outburst of anger, difficulty concentrating, and being “jumpy” or easily startled. The person may also suffer physical symptoms such as increase blood pressure and heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and nausea.
Negative changes in thinking and mood
Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:
- Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:* Negative feelings about yourself or other people
* Inability to experience positive emotions
* Feeling emotionally numb
* Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
* Hopelessness about the future
* Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
* Difficulty maintaining close relationships
Changes in emotional reactions
Symptoms of changes in emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:
* Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
* Always being on guard for danger
* Overwhelming guilt or shame
* Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
* Trouble concentrating
* Trouble sleeping
* Being easily startled or frightened
Many of our military heroes experience not one but several recurring traumatic events during their service, greatly increasing the likelihood of PTSD. Studies show that at least 1 out of 4 of our veterans struggle with the affliction.
When to see a doctor
If you have disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event for more than a month, if they’re severe, or if you feel you’re having trouble getting your life back under control, talk to your health care professional. Get treatment as soon as possible to help prevent PTSD symptoms from getting worse.
If you have suicidal thoughts
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, get help right away through one or more of these resources:
* Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
* Contact a minister, a spiritual leader or someone in your faith community.
* Call a suicide hotline number — in the United States, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Use that same number and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
* Make an appointment with your doctor, mental health provider or other health care professional.
The information provided above was compiled by Daniel Jureller, PhD candidate in psychogy at George Washington University.