Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that’s triggered by experiencing a terrifying, or life threatening event event. In fact, most individuals who experience traumatic events have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping. But, with time and good self-care, they usually get better. However, if the symptoms get worse, or are long-lasting, they can interfere with your day-to-day functioning. Seeking effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reducing symptoms and improving functioning.
You may be experiencing PTSD if you have:
- Invasive, upsetting memories of a tragedy
- Flashbacks (reliving a trauma as if it’s happening again)
- Loss of interest in daily life and activities
- Feeling emotionally numb
- A feeling of a not leading a normal life
- Avoidance of certain activities, feelings, thoughts or places
- Difficulty remembering important aspects of a traumatic event
- Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
- Hopelessness about the future
- Difficulty maintaining close relationships
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions