At times we may witness frightening situations that have a strong impact on our sense of emotional well-being. We may experience trauma ourselves or experience a sense of powerlessness to help others who have been injured or were coping with a serious illness. Often individuals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) will experience recurring thoughts related to the frightening event or traumatic situation. They also may experience recurring anxiety or dreams related to these experiences.
Post Traumatic Stress may result from the following events.
- War or combat
- Automotive accident
- Loss of a loved one
- Serious illness
- Violent crime
- Sexual assault
- Catastrophic event
Some common symptoms may include:
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Re-experiencing the traumatic event
- Uncontrollable frightening thoughts
- Feeling alone and isolated
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty managing anger
It is important to remember that PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a treatable condition.