It's normal to have difficult feelings and thoughts after a traumatic event. Most people recover naturally with time. But if symptoms persist for months or get worse, you might have PTSD. The important thing to know is that help is available, and recovery is possible.
PTSD develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. It causes intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the trauma that last long after the event has ended.
About 6% of the U.S. population will have PTSD at some point in their lives. Anyone can develop PTSD at any age, but women are more likely to develop it than men. Veterans, first responders, and survivors of abuse or violence are at higher risk.
Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward getting help. Not everyone experiences all symptoms.
PTSD develops after exposure to trauma, but not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Risk factors include:
Effective treatments are available. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.
Helps you process the traumatic event and change unhelpful thinking patterns. This is considered the most effective treatment for PTSD.
Gradually helps you approach trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations you've been avoiding. This reduces fear and helps you realize these memories aren't dangerous.
Combines exposure therapy with guided eye movements to help you process traumatic memories in a new way.
Antidepressants can help reduce PTSD symptoms like sadness, worry, anger, and feeling emotionally numb.
Sharing experiences with others who've had similar traumas can reduce isolation and provide hope.
These strategies can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Triggers are reminders of the trauma that cause strong reactions. Learning to manage them takes time:
PTSD can leave you feeling unsafe. These strategies can help you feel more secure:
Flashbacks can feel frightening, but there are ways to manage them:
Supporting someone with PTSD requires patience and understanding. They've been through something traumatic, and recovery isn't linear.
"I'm here if you ever want to talk, but no pressure."
"How can I best support you right now?"
"Is there anything specific that would help you feel safer?"
"I noticed [behavior]. Are you doing okay?"
of the U.S. population will have PTSD in their lifetime
adults have PTSD during a given year
as likely to develop PTSD as men
of outpatient mental health patients have experienced trauma
Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or call 988 for immediate support.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
It's normal to have difficult feelings and thoughts after a traumatic event. Most people recover naturally with time. But if symptoms persist for months or get worse, you might have PTSD. The important thing to know is that help is available, and recovery is possible.
PTSD develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. It causes intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the trauma that last long after the event has ended.
About 6% of the U.S. population will have PTSD at some point in their lives. Anyone can develop PTSD at any age, but women are more likely to develop it than men. Veterans, first responders, and survivors of abuse or violence are at higher risk.
Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward getting help. Not everyone experiences all symptoms.
PTSD develops after exposure to trauma, but not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Risk factors include:
Effective treatments are available. Many people benefit from a combination of approaches.
Helps you process the traumatic event and change unhelpful thinking patterns. This is considered the most effective treatment for PTSD.
Gradually helps you approach trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations you've been avoiding. This reduces fear and helps you realize these memories aren't dangerous.
Combines exposure therapy with guided eye movements to help you process traumatic memories in a new way.
Antidepressants can help reduce PTSD symptoms like sadness, worry, anger, and feeling emotionally numb.
Sharing experiences with others who've had similar traumas can reduce isolation and provide hope.
These strategies can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Triggers are reminders of the trauma that cause strong reactions. Learning to manage them takes time:
PTSD can leave you feeling unsafe. These strategies can help you feel more secure:
Flashbacks can feel frightening, but there are ways to manage them:
Supporting someone with PTSD requires patience and understanding. They've been through something traumatic, and recovery isn't linear.
"I'm here if you ever want to talk, but no pressure."
"How can I best support you right now?"
"Is there anything specific that would help you feel safer?"
"I noticed [behavior]. Are you doing okay?"
of the U.S. population will have PTSD in their lifetime
adults have PTSD during a given year
as likely to develop PTSD as men
of outpatient mental health patients have experienced trauma
Recovery is possible with the right support and treatment. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or call 988 for immediate support.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.