What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying or traumatic event. Examples of such events include natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, war, combat, rape, or other violent personal assaults. PTSD is characterized by a range of symptoms that can significantly impair an individual's daily life and functioning. It's important to note that while it's normal to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation, those with PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they are not in danger.

The symptoms of PTSD are generally grouped into four main categories: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Intrusive memories may include recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks (reliving the trauma as if it's happening again), nightmares about the trauma, and severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds the person of the traumatic event. Avoidance symptoms involve avoiding thinking or talking about the traumatic event and avoiding places, activities, or people that remind the person of the trauma.

Negative changes in thinking and mood may include negative thoughts about oneself or others, hopelessness about the future, memory problems, difficulty maintaining close relationships, feeling detached from family and friends, lack of interest in activities once enjoyed, difficulty experiencing positive emotions, and feeling emotionally numb. Changes in physical and emotional reactions, also known as arousal symptoms, include being easily startled or frightened, always being on guard for danger, self-destructive behavior, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, irritability, angry outbursts, and overwhelming guilt or shame. It's worth noting that PTSD symptoms can vary over time or vary from person to person. Effective treatments, including psychotherapy and medication, can help people with PTSD reclaim their lives. Early treatment and support from family and friends can also help reduce the severity of symptoms.