Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), A Real Illness

Have you Lived through a very scary and dangerous event?

If one of the following problems sounds like you, you may have PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:

I feel like the terrible event is happening all over again. This feeling often comes without warning.

I have nightmares and scary memories of the terrifying events.

I stay away from places that remind me of the event.

I jump and feel very upset when something happens without warning.

I have a hard time trusting or feeling close to other people.

I get mad very easily.

I feel guilty because others died and I lived.

I have trouble sleeping, and my muscles are tense.

PTSD is a real illness that needs to be treated. It’s not your fault if you have this illness, and you don’t have to suffer. You can feel better and get your life back! (Learn how to get help).

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a real illness. People may get PTSD after living through a terrible and scary experience. It can be treated with medicine and therapy.

You can get PTSD after you have been:

Raped or sexually abused

Hit or harmed by in your family

A victim of a violent crime

In an airplane or car crash
In a hurricane, tornado, or fire
in a war
In an event where you thought you might be killed
Or, after you have seen any of these events

If you have PTSD, you often have nightmares or scary thought about the terrible experience you went through. You try to stay away from anything that reminds you of your frightening experience.

You may feel angry and unable to care about or trust other people. You are always on the lookout for danger. You feel very upset when something happens without warning.

When does PTSD start and how long does it last?

For most people, PTSD starts within about three months of the terrible event. For some people, signs of PTSD can happen to anyone at any age. Even children can have it.

Some people get better with in six months, while others may have the illness for much longer.

Am I the only person with this illness?

No. You are not alone. In any year, 5.2 million Americans have PTSD.

What can I do to help my self?Talk to your doctor about the terrible event and your feelings. Tell your doctor if you have scary memories, depression, trouble sleeping, or anger. Tell your doctor if these problems keep you from doing everyday things and living your life. You may want to show your doctor this article. It can help you explain how you feel. Ask our doctor for a checkup to make sure you don’t have some other illness.

Ask your doctor if he or she has helped people with PTSD. Special training help doctors treat people with PTSD. If your doctor doesn’t have special training, ask for the name of a doctor or counselor who specializes with PTSD.

What can a doctor or counselor do to help me?

A doctor may give you medicine to help you feel less afraid and tense. But it may take a few weeks for the medicine to work.

Talking to a specially trained doctor or counselor helps many people with PTSD. This is called “therapy.”

Therapy can help you work through your terrible experience.

Here is one person’s story:

After I was attacked, I felt afraid, depressed, and angry all the time. I couldn’t sleep or eat much. Even when I tried to stop thinking about it, I still had awful nightmares and memories.

“I was confused and didn’t know where to go for help. A friend told me to call the doctor. My doctor helped me find a special doctor who knows about PTSD.

“I had to work hard, but after some helpful medication and therapy, I am starting to feel like myself again. I’m glad I made that first call to my doctor.

Remember – You can get help now:

Talk to your doctor about the terrible event and your feelings.

Call 1-88-88ANXIETY (1-888-826-9438)