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
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
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.
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
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.
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