Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Learn about symptoms, treatments, and pathways to healing.
Recognize Symptoms Get Help NowPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please call emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately. You're not alone, and help is available.
Emergency ResourcesWhile many people who experience trauma may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, those with PTSD continue to experience intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience long after the traumatic event has ended.
PTSD can develop after exposure to any traumatic event, including:
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions. Symptoms can vary over time or from person to person.
Symptoms may begin within one month of the traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. For a diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms must last more than one month and be severe enough to interfere with relationships or work.
PTSD treatment can help you regain a sense of control over your life. The primary treatments are psychotherapy, medication, or both. What works best varies from person to person, so it may take some trial and error to find what works for you.
"After my car accident, I didn't think I'd ever feel normal again. Through EMDR therapy and a support group, I've learned to manage my PTSD symptoms and reclaim my life. The flashbacks have decreased, and I can drive again without panic."
While professional treatment is essential for PTSD, these self-help strategies can support your recovery:
When experiencing flashbacks or dissociation, use your senses to reconnect with the present moment (name things you see, touch, hear, smell, taste).
Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce anxiety and stress responses.
Regular exercise can help reduce stress hormones and increase endorphins.
Art, music, or writing can help process traumatic memories in a safe way.
Maintaining a predictable daily schedule can provide a sense of safety.
These substances can worsen anxiety and interfere with sleep.
Understanding PTSD can help normalize your experiences and reduce shame.
Service animals or pets can provide comfort and reduce hypervigilance.
If you think you might have PTSD, it's important to seek professional help. PTSD symptoms rarely disappear completely without treatment, but they can be managed effectively.
Consider reaching out to a mental health professional if you:
Look for mental health professionals who specialize in trauma and PTSD. Effective PTSD treatments often require specialized training. Consider:
These trusted organizations provide specialized PTSD information and support:
The leading research and educational center for PTSD, providing resources for both veterans and civilians.
Visit WebsiteA coalition of professional and advocacy organizations providing PTSD education and resources.
Visit WebsitePTSD symptoms typically begin within 3 months of the traumatic incident, but they can sometimes emerge years later. For a diagnosis, symptoms must persist for more than one month and cause significant distress or impairment in functioning.
Yes, children can develop PTSD. Symptoms may look different than in adults, including bedwetting after being toilet-trained, acting out the trauma during play, or being unusually clingy with parents. Children may also believe they saw warning signs predicting the trauma, leading to hypervigilance for these "signs."
While PTSD may not be "cured" in the traditional sense, many people experience significant symptom reduction or complete remission with proper treatment. Even when symptoms persist, people can learn to manage them effectively and live fulfilling lives. Recovery is an ongoing process that varies by individual.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) results from prolonged, repeated trauma (like childhood abuse or long-term domestic violence) rather than a single event. It includes all PTSD symptoms plus additional difficulties with emotional regulation, consciousness, self-perception, relationships, and distorted perceptions of the perpetrator.
Yes, PTSD symptoms can fluctuate in intensity. They may worsen during periods of stress, anniversaries of the trauma, or when encountering reminders. Some people experience periods of relative stability followed by symptom flare-ups. This variability is normal in PTSD recovery.
Connecting with others who understand PTSD can be an important part of healing. Consider these support options:
Safe, confidential group for survivors of sexual and physical violence.
View GroupSupport for police, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders.
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