Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs when someone who has been through a traumatic event experiences intense reactions that linger for months or even years. Situations that could lead to PTSD include:
- Transportation accidents
- Natural disasters
- Terrorist incidents
- Violent assault or the threat of it
- Military combat
- Medical trauma
- Childhood trauma or abuse
While strong feelings are common after all of these events, people with PTSD have more difficulty with processing their reactions. They may experience:
- Nightmares
- Intrusive thoughts
- Vivid memories or flashbacks that make the person feel as if they are reliving the event
- Worry, fear, anxiety, or suspicion
- Strong reactions when reminded of the trauma (or sometimes for no obvious reason at all)
- Feeling disconnected or isolated
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
These feelings may be “triggered” by sensory input, such as a loud noise, a smell, or being in a similar situation. For instance, a person who has been in a car accident may experience symptoms of PTSD while driving on the freeway or insist on only using surface roads.
PTSD is unique and impossible to predict. It’s not unusual for one person to develop PTSD while another does not, even when they have experienced the same event. Risk factors that may make someone more susceptible to PTSD include:
- Lack of family or social support resources
- History of childhood trauma or repeated exposure to traumatic circumstances
- A mental health condition or family history of mental health issues
- Difficulties with managing stress, coping with anxiety, or maintaining resilience
If you are concerned that you may have PTSD, talk to your doctor. Many people find that they may benefit from joining a support group where they can share experiences with others who have experienced a similar trauma.
