What is PTSD?

PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) occurs when a person goes through a traumatic life event (assault/abuse of any kind, natural disasters, serious accidents, combat, accidental death, etc.) that threatens sense of security and safety. More than 50 percent of Americans have had a traumatic event occur in their life and PTSD can affect those who personally experience event, witness the event, or pick up the pieces after the event (emergency workers for example). After trauma it is normal to feel upset, anxious, and on edge, but many people feel better after a few weeks or months. However, some people relive events (flashbacks), avoid reminders of events, and feel an overwhelming negativity about the world they live in which can lead to depression, anxiety, and substance use. Per the National Center for PTSD, seven out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives; one in 10 men and two in 10 women develop PTSD. If symptoms persist, it may be time to meet with a medical or mental-health professional. The important consideration is that PTSD, acute or chronic stress, is treatable. For more information, visit ptsd.va.gov.