Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses an incredibly stressful event, or prolonged, chronic stress. For people with PTSD, those feelings of fear and anxiety last long after the event has passed and may even worsen with time. Common events that trigger PTSD include military combat, physical or sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, car accidents, and natural disasters.

Almost all people will experience some difficulties adjusting to normal life after experiencing a traumatic event. However, PTSD occurs when symptoms, such as nightmares, jumpiness, and intrusive thoughts, last for longer than a month and start to become debilitating. 

For someone experiencing PTSD, you might believe that if you just wait a little longer or try a bit harder that the feelings of fear, anger, and depression will pass. The reality is that PTSD is not all in your mind. You cannot simply will yourself to get over your trauma and feel yourself again. And that’s because the root of your symptoms starts with your brain.

Post-traumatic stress is a very serious condition.  PTSD can lead to other issues, such as relationship problems, poor work outcomes, substance abuse, and depression. Ultimately,  the devastating impact of PTSD can lead many to attempt suicide at some point in their life.