Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in some people after they’ve witnessed or experienced a tragic event.
PTSD can happen to anyone who’s witnessed or experienced a traumatic event.
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Avoidance
Avoidance is a core symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Emotional avoidanceinvolves avoiding thoughts or feelings associated with a traumatic event.
For people with PTSD, the intrusion of unwanted memories is usually out of their control.
Mood Swings
Individuals with PTSD often experience mood swings and have difficulty regulating their emotions.
This can greatly decrease their willingness to engage in activities.
Additionally, people with PTSD may exhibit heightened emotional reactivity.
This can result in irritability, angry outbursts, reckless behavior, and being easily startled.
People may avoid specific trauma-related stimuli that might trigger flashbacks, such as fireworks reminding them of explosions.
People with PTSD can be in a constant state of high alert that disrupts daily life and sleep patterns.
PTSD Symptoms Can Vary in Intensity
PTSD symptoms often vary in intensity over time.
This reaction is called delayed-onset PTSD or delayed expression PTSD.
However, over time, PTSD symptoms of varying intensities can gradually arise when vivid flashbacks are triggered.
A person with delayed-onset PTSD experiences intense feelings as though they’re living through the trauma all over again.
If it’s a life-threatening emergency, call911immediately.
In Crisis?
PTSD sometimes doesnt surface until years after a traumatic event.
If you’re in crisis and thinking about hurting yourself, call or text 988.
In emergencies, call 911.
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