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What You Should Know About PTSD

Segal Trials

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s estimated that about 6 in 100 adults in the U.S. will have PTSD at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

Symptoms of PTSD may include:

  • Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts

  • Nightmares or trouble sleeping

  • Feeling constantly on edge

  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma

  • Emotional numbness or difficulty connecting with others

Understanding PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s more common than many people realize — affecting people of all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life.

Trauma that can lead to PTSD includes things like:

  • Military combat

  • Physical or sexual assault

  • Car accidents

  • Natural disasters

  • Serious medical events

  • Loss or unexpected life changes

Signs and Symptoms

PTSD can show up differently in each person, but common symptoms include:

  • Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks

  • Nightmares or difficulty sleeping

  • Feeling “on edge” or easily startled

  • Avoiding reminders of the trauma

  • Negative changes in mood, like guilt, shame, or numbness

These symptoms may start soon after the event or take months (or years) to appear. For some, they may come and go over time.

Who Gets PTSD?

PTSD can affect anyone. While not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, some factors can increase the risk, such as:

  • A history of mental health conditions

  • Lack of support after the trauma

  • High levels of stress after the event

  • The severity or type of trauma

How to Support Someone with PTSD

If someone you care about is living with PTSD, here are a few ways to help:

  • Listen with patience and no judgment

  • Respect their boundaries and don’t pressure them to talk

  • Offer help with daily tasks, especially during tough times

  • Encourage self-care and professional help, if they’re open to it

Recovery is possible, and support makes a difference.

Learn More

For more information, visit NIMH's PTSD resource.

At Segal Trials, we’re committed to advancing mental health education and helping communities better understand the conditions that affect so many of us

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