Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
may start within three months of a
traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms
may not appear until years after the
event. These symptoms cause significant
problems in social or work situations
and in relationships.
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into
four types: intrusive memories,
avoidance, negative changes in thinking
and mood, or changes in emotional
reactions.
Intrusive
memories
Symptoms of intrusive memories may
include:
-
Recurrent,
unwanted distressing memories of the
traumatic event
-
Reliving the
traumatic event as if it were
happening again (flashbacks)
-
Upsetting dreams
about the traumatic event
-
Severe emotional
distress or physical reactions to
something that reminds you of the
event
Avoidance
Symptoms of avoidance may include:
-
Trying to avoid
thinking or talking about the
traumatic event
-
Avoiding places,
activities or people that remind you
of the traumatic event
Negative
changes in thinking and mood
Symptoms of negative changes in thinking
and mood may include:
-
Negative feelings
about yourself or other people
-
Inability to
experience positive emotions
-
Feeling
emotionally numb
-
Lack of interest
in activities you once enjoyed
-
Hopelessness
about the future
-
Memory problems,
including not remembering important
aspects of the traumatic event
-
Difficulty
maintaining close relationships
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Questions about combat stress? Call or chat the DCoE Outreach Center 24/7: 866-966-1020 or http://j.mp/RWlivechat
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Changes in
emotional reactions
Symptoms of changes in emotional
reactions (also called arousal symptoms)
may include:
-
Irritability,
angry outbursts or aggressive
behavior
-
Always being on
guard for danger
-
Overwhelming
guilt or shame
-
Self-destructive
behavior, such as drinking too much
or driving too fast
-
Trouble
concentrating
-
Trouble sleeping
-
Being easily
startled or frightened
Intensity of
symptoms
PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity over
time. You may have more PTSD symptoms
when you're stressed in general, or when
you run into reminders of what you went
through. For example, you may hear a car
backfire and relive combat experiences.
Or you may see a report on the news
about a sexual assault and feel overcome
by memories of your own assault.
When to see
a doctor
If
you have disturbing thoughts and
feelings about a traumatic event for
more than a month, if they're severe, or
if you feel you're having trouble
getting your life back under control,
talk to your health care professional.
Get treatment as soon as possible to
help prevent PTSD symptoms from getting
worse.
If you have
suicidal thoughts
If
you or someone you know is having
suicidal thoughts, get help right away
through one or more of these resources:
-
Reach out to a
close friend or loved one.
-
Contact a
minister, a spiritual leader or
someone in your faith community.
-
Call a suicide
hotline number — in the United
States, call the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK
(800-273-8255) to reach a trained
counselor. Use that same number and
press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis
Line.
-
Make an
appointment with your doctor, mental
health provider or other health care
professional.
When to get
emergency help
If
you think you may hurt yourself or
attempt suicide, call 911 or your local
emergency number immediately.
If
you know someone who's in danger of
committing suicide or has made a suicide
attempt, make sure someone stays with
that person. Call 911 or your local
emergency number immediately. Or, if you
can do so safely, take the person to the
nearest hospital emergency room