Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a disorder that some people develop after a traumatic event. Everyone feels emotions, like fear and shock, after being in a scary situation. Normally, you recover from these feelings. But with PTSD, you continue to feel afraid or stressed in everyday life, even though you are not in danger.

PTSD does not always have to come from a dangerous experience. You can have PTSD at any age. This includes:

  • War veterans
  • Children who experience physical or sexual abuse
  • Anyone who goes through abuse, an accident, or other serious event
  • Anyone who experiences the sudden death of a loved one

PTSD Symptoms
Symptoms usually show up early, within the first few months of a traumatic experience. But symptoms can show up years later, too. Symptoms include:

  • Flashbacks – reliving the event over and over again
  • Bad dreams
  • Staying away from places or things that remind you of the trauma
  • Feeling very “on edge”
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Angry outbursts
  • Negative thoughts about yourself or the world

Treatment for PTSD
Treatment for PTSD is mainly medicine and psychotherapy (“talk” therapy), or both. PTSD does not affect everyone the same way, so treatment might be different for each person. A mental health professional can decide the best treatment for you.

More Information and Help

If you are looking for help with PTSD, call us. You can also search online for a provider.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose conditions or to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you might have a behavioral health condition, please seek help from a medical professional.