Understanding PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may develop after experiencing or witnessing distressing events such as violence, abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or combat. While it is normal to feel unsettled after trauma, PTSD occurs when symptoms persist, making it difficult to function or feel safe in everyday life.
Common symptoms include:
Intrusive memories such as flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted thoughts
Avoidance of people, places, or situations that trigger memories of trauma
Negative changes in mood or thinking such as guilt, shame, or emotional numbness
Heightened arousal including difficulty sleeping, irritability, or being easily startled
PTSD affects not only those who directly experience trauma but also those who witness or are indirectly impacted by it. Without treatment, it can lead to anxiety, depression, or substance use. With the right care, recovery and renewal are possible.