PTSD happens when a person relives a terrible or traumatic event. PTSD symptoms can be triggered by memories of the event.

PTSD can result from events like:

• Violent Attacks
• Sexual Assault
• Abuse in Childhood
• Natural Disasters, e.g., tornado, earthquake
• Serious Accidents, e.g., motor vehicle accident, plane crash
• Military Combat

PTSD can happen right after the traumatic event. Other people may not show signs of PTSD for several weeks, months or even years later.

Some symptoms may include:

• You may relive the event by thinking or dreaming about it often
• You may have poor sleep or nightmares
• You may avoid any that might cause you to think about the trauma
• You may not be able to think clearly
• You may have changes in your eating habits
• You may have problems in other areas of your life. This might be in school, work, or with your family and friends.

These are all normal reactions. If these symptoms do not get better over time or seem to be taking over your life, please get help.