Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. A traumatic event is something horrible and scary that you see or that happens to you.
During this type of event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger. You may feel afraid or feel that you have no control over what is happening.
Anyone who has gone through a life‐threatening event can develop PTSD. These events can include:
Combat or military exposure
Child sexual or physical abuse
Terrorist attacks
Sexual or physical assault
Serious accidents, such as a car wreck
Natural disasters, such as a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, or earthquake After the event, you may feel scared, confused, or angry. If these feelings don't go away or they get worse, you may have PTSD. These symptoms may disrupt your life, making it hard to continue with your daily activities.
Where to Get Help for PTSD
The National Center for PTSD
PTSD Help Network:
Each VA medical center and many VA clinics have PTSD specialists. You can also find a VA PTSD Program or a Vet Center near you. Or call the 24/7 Veteran Combat Call Center to talk to another combat Veteran:
1-877-927-8387(WAR-VETS).