While feelings of fear or stress are common after a trauma, people with PTSD often continue to feel these things long after the danger has passed. Symptoms usually start within the first three months after the traumatic experience, but they can sometimes begin later.
Common signs include:
• Flashbacks, nightmares or distressing thoughts.
• Avoiding reminders of the trauma.
• Feeling tense or on edge.
• Trouble sleeping, eating or focusing.
• Negative thoughts about yourself or the world.
• Feeling isolated or disconnected.
You may have PTSD if these symptoms last for longer than a month; aren't related to substance or medication use; and cause problems with work, school or other parts of daily life. Triggers vary. Things like smells, sounds or situations can all bring back memories and emotions tied to the trauma.
And PTSD doesn't just affect you, the person living with it. Strained relationships, emotional distance or aggressive outbursts can also take a toll on your family and friends.
Left untreated, PTSD can increase the risk for physical health problems. Some research has linked PTSD and heart issues. It also can overlap with depression, substance use and anxiety. The good news? Effective treatments are available.
Treatment options that work
Sometimes people with PTSD don't seek treatment because of the stigma around mental health issues, particularly PTSD. You may worry about other people judging you, but avoiding care can actually make symptoms worse.
There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are a few treatment options that can help:
• Talk therapy. The most effective approaches focus on processing the trauma itself. Options include cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. These approaches allow you to learn ways to visualize your trauma differently and reframe your beliefs and feelings surrounding the event.
• Medication. Antidepressant drugs may help manage symptoms.
• Complementary approaches. Practices that support overall mental wellness are sometimes helpful when used along with conventional treatments.
Why early treatment matters
PTSD symptoms can worsen over time, but early care can prevent that. Even if your trauma happened years ago, it's not too late. If you or someone you know has symptoms of PTSD, talk to a health care provider. With support, recovery is possible—and treatment can lead to a better quality of life.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institute of Mental Health; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs