SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PTSD

(I AM GOING BY MY OWN EXPERIENCE)

• Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event

• Flashbacks (acting or feeling like the event is happening again)

• Nightmares (either of the event or other frightening things)

• Feelings of intense distress when reminded of the trauma

• Intense physical reactions to reminders of the event (e.g. pounding heart, rapid breathing, nausea, muscle tension, sweating)

• Avoiding activities, places, thoughts, or feelings that remind you of the trauma

• Inability to remember important aspects of the trauma

• Loss of interest in activities and life in general

• Feeling detached from others and emotionally numb

• Sense of a limited future (you don’t expect to live a normal life span, get married, have a career)

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

• Irritability or outbursts of anger

• Difficulty concentrating

• Hypervigilance (on constant “red alert”)

• Feeling jumpy and easily startled

• Guilt, shame, or self-blame

• Substance abuse

• Feelings of mistrust and betrayaL

• Depression and hopelessness

• Suicidal thoughts and feelings

• Physical aches and pains

• Depression, anxiety, or another mental illness

• High level of stress in everyday life

• Lack of support after the trauma

• Lack of coping skills