Page 134 - A Soldiers Exposition

SYMPTOMS OF PTSD

Note: I am NOT a physician. I am a Veteran with PTSD.
Please use the web-links provided for further research.

Source: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

It is normal to have stress reactions after a traumatic event. Your emotions and behavior can change in
ways that are upsetting to you. Even though most people have stress reactions following a trauma, they
get better in time. But you should seek help if symptoms:

▪ last longer than three months
▪ cause you great distress
▪ disrupt your work or home life

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Symptoms of PTSD may disrupt your life and make it hard to continue with your daily activities. You may
find it hard just to get through the day.
There are four types of PTSD symptoms:

1. Reliving the event (also called re-experiencing symptoms)
Memories of the traumatic event can come back at any time. You may feel the same fear and
horror you did when the event took place.

For example:

▪ You may have nightmares.
▪ You may feel like you are going through the event again. This is called a flashback.
▪ You may see, hear, or smell something that causes you to relive the event. This is called
a trigger. News reports, seeing an accident, or hearing a car backfire are examples of
triggers.

2. Avoiding situations that remind you of the event
You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. You may
even avoid talking or thinking about the event.

For example:

▪ You may avoid crowds because they feel dangerous.
▪ You may avoid driving if you were in a car accident or if your military convoy was
bombed.
▪ If you were in an earthquake, you may avoid watching movies about earthquakes.
▪ You may keep very busy or avoid seeking help because it keeps you from having to think
or talk about the event.