Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event such as a severe accident, a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or wartime combat People living with PTSD may find it difficult to cope with everyday life as they may experience intrusive thoughts, flashbacks and nightmares, have difficulty sleeping, and may struggle with feeling emotionally numb or being easily triggered by anything that makes them recall the event. PTSD can develop anytime after a traumatic event and can affect people of any age and background.
The five best examples of PTSD include:
1. Combat-Related PTSD – After experiencing combat and related violence, many service members and veterans can experience PTSD. Symptoms may include intrusive thoughts, nightmares of combat, hypervigilance, startle responses, and difficulty coping with social situations. Service members who have seen close friends killed or wounded in combat are at higher risk of developing PTSD.
2. Domestic and Sexual Abuse-Related PTSD – People who have experienced abuse either in a domestic situation or as a survivor of sexual assault can be at risk of developing PTSD. Symptoms may include difficulty sleeping, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, triggers, paranoia, and difficulty trusting people.
3. Natural Disaster-Related PTSD – People who have experienced a natural disaster such as an earthquake, hurricane, tsunami, or wildfire can be at risk of developing PTSD. Symptoms may include withdrawal from social activities, hypervigilance, flashbacks, and difficulty sleeping.
4. Car Accidents – People who have been involved in a car accident can be at risk of developing PTSD. Symptoms may include anxiety and fear when driving, intrusive thoughts and memories of the accident, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping.
5. Physical or Medical Trauma – People who have experienced a physical trauma or medical emergency can be at risk of developing PTSD. Symptoms may include intrusive thoughts and memories of the trauma, flashbacks, avoidance of going to the doctor or medical appointments, and difficulty sleeping.
No matter the cause of the trauma, PTSD can have a significant impact on someone's mental and emotional wellbeing. If you are struggling with PTSD, it is important to seek help and treatment from a mental health professional as soon as possible.