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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness


What is it?

Definition

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, or rape or who have been threatened with death, sexual violence or serious injury.

Symptoms


Reliving the trauma

This can include but is not limitted to:

• images or ideas that are bothersome

• flashbacks that are vivid (feeling like the trauma is happening right now)

• Pain, sweating, nausea, or shaking are examples of bodily sensations.


Alertness or feeling on edge

This can include but is not limitted to:

• sleep disruption or sleep deprivation

• panicking when reminded of the trauma

• irritation or aggressiveness

• being frightened or easily scared


Avoiding feelings or memories

This can include but is not limitted to:

• feeling compelled to remain busy, avoiding anything that reminds you of the trauma

• feeling emotionally numb or shut off from your emotions

• being unable to communicate affection

• doing activities that might be self-destructive or reckless