Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur in children and adults who've experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD can also occur for new moms.
PTSD can result from a natural disaster, accident, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or other types of violent personal assaults. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a treatable mental health disorder.
Here are some of the hallmark symptoms:
- Intrusive memories: Upsetting dreams or reoccurring flashbacks about the event.
- Avoidance: Avoiding the memory of the event, or places and people that remind you of the event.
- Negative changes in thinking or mood: Feeling numb or sad, having low self-esteem, and feeling hopeless about the future.
- Changes in emotional reactions: Irritable, angry outbursts, feeling guilty or ashamed, and/or being easily frightened.
- Substance Use: Reliance on substances such as alcohol or drugs to cope with PTSD symptoms.
Facts About PTSD
- An estimated 70% of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives.
- Upwards of 40% of girls and boys experience at least one trauma as a child or adolescent.
- Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder occurs in about 9% of new mothers.
- Among people who are experience or witness a severe traumatic experience, 60 – 80% will develop PTSD.
- An estimated 1 out of 10 women will get PTSD at some time in their lives.
- Studies estimate that 1 in every 5 military personnel experiences PTSD.
- PTSD increases the risk for suicide, especially if it is undiagnosed or untreated.
Link here for PTSD tools and resources
