Symptoms of PTSD can begin anywhere from three months to years after the traumatic experience. Symptoms can include flashbacks, bad dreams, avoidance of places or things that remind them of the traumatic event, being easily startled or “on edge,” difficulty sleeping, feelings of guilt or blame, and mood changes.
What is PTSD?
Post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that develops after a person has experienced a traumatic or frightening event. While most people feel afraid during and after a traumatic experience, those who have PTSD continue to feel fear long after the event is over and they are no longer in danger.
It’s important to remember that not everyone who experiences PTSD has been in danger. Some people develop symptoms of PTSD after the sudden death of a loved one, or other unexpected trauma.
Symptoms of PTSD:
The symptoms of PTSD are broken out into four categories:
Re-experiencing symptoms include:
- Frightening or scary thoughts
- Nightmares or bad dreams
- Flashbacks of the trauma, including physical symptoms such as sweating and racing heart
Avoidance symptoms include:
- Avoiding thoughts and feelings related to the trauma
- Avoiding places, things, or events that are reminders of the traumatic experience
Arousal and reactivity symptoms include:
- Feeling tense or “on edge”
- Being easily startled
- Difficulty sleeping
- Having outbursts of anger
Cognition and mood symptoms include:
- Loss of interest in activities that once brought enjoyment
- Feelings of blame or guilt surrounding the event
- Difficulty remembering important features of the event
- Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
The course of the illness varies, with some people recovering in six months, while others developing chronic, lifelong symptoms.