What Does PTSD Mean?

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, affects millions of Americans every year. It can be triggered by a traumatic event that happened to someone personally or witnessed by them, though it can also stem from a long period of stressful or emotionally-distressing circumstances. While the effects of PTSD vary from person to person, it is a disorder characterized by extreme fear, avoidance, hypervigilance, and other symptoms that can disrupt a person’s daily life.

What Causes PTSD?

PTSD can be caused by prolonged stress, such as prolonged abuse or neglect, traumatic events, loss of a loved one, or other tragedies. In most cases, PTSD is triggered by an event that the person suffered from personally or that happened in their vicinity. It’s possible to have PTSD if you’re physically or psychologically harmed due to the direct threat of violence or danger from an outside source.

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

The symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, but the most common ones include heightened worry, nightmares, flashbacks of the event, avoidance of activities and situations that remind the person of the event, feeling “on edge” or always on guard, self-isolation, increased irritability, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and feeling like they’re drifing away. People with PTSD may also experience feelings of guilt, shame or helplessness, or even intrusive and extreme thoughts and memories.

PTSD is a serious condition and should be taken seriously. If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional and get the help you need.