The National Institute of Mental Health outline the symptoms of PTSD. NIMH states that people with PTSD must have at least one re-experiencing symptom, one avoidance symptom, two arousal symptoms, and two cognitive/mood symptoms. What do these symptoms look like?
Re-experiencing symptoms can include:
Avoidance symptoms can include:
- Avoiding places, events, people, or objects that remind you of the event.
- Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the event.
Arousal symptoms can include:
- Being easily startled
- Feeling tense or “on edge”
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Angry outbursts
- Difficulty concentrating
Cognitive/Mood symptoms can include:
- Trouble remembering key features of the event
- Negative thoughts about yourself or the world
- Distorted feelings of guilt/blame (i.e. blaming yourself or feeling guilty about things you had no control over)
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Feeling detached from others
- On going difficulty with feeling positive emotions (i.e. love or joy)
It is also important to remember after a traumatic experience, such as the death of a loved one, being in a natural disaster, or sexual assault, it is normal to experience symptoms consistent with PTSD.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms for more than three months after that event, it may be helpful to think about seeking out additional support.