About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event or ordeal in which grave physical, psychological, or sexual harm occurred or was threatened. When in danger, it’s natural to feel afraid, and this fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to prepare to defend against the danger, or to avoid it.

This “fight-or-flight” response is a healthy reaction meant to protect a person from harm. But in PTSD, this reaction is changed, damaged, and often over activated. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they’re no longer in danger.

People with PTSD Tend to Experience:

Sleeping problems, including bad dreams; Avoiding places, events, or objects that are reminders of the experience; Strong feelings of guilt, depression, or worry; Loss of interest in activities that were enjoyable in the past; Feelings of detachment or numbness; Being easily startled.

Explore More

The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook

Glenn R. Schiraldi (March 5, 2009)

Shock Waves

Cynthia Orange (June 2, 2010)

Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior

Charles W. Hoge (February 23, 2010)

The Things They Carried

Tim O’Brien (October 13, 2009)

No Comfort Zone

Marla Handy (December 6, 2010)

Until Tuesday

Luis Carlos Montalván (May 3, 2011)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

National Institute Of Mental Health (March 4, 2012)

What’s So Funny About Mental Illness?

Ruby Wax (2012)

The Mental Illness Happy Hour

(2018)

Mentally Ch(ill)

Kristen Carney + Stevie Ryan

Additional Resources

Looking for more ways to help yourself or another? Take a look at the categories below to find a list of links to get you started in the right direction. 

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