June 27, 2024— According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, about 70% of people experience at least one traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, car accident or violence, during their lives.
Those events can affect your mental health. Everyone reacts in their own way. But after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, it's common to:
- Feel anxious or on edge.
- Find it hard to return to normal activities, such as work or school.
- Have upsetting memories or thoughts.
- Have trouble sleeping.
Having those feelings after a traumatic event doesn't mean you will have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and other experts, most people feel better over time—usually within a few weeks. But for some people, symptoms last longer. If your symptoms last longer than a month, that's a sign it's time to seek help.
Could it be PTSD?
Trauma symptoms that last longer than a month could be a sign of PTSD. Often, symptoms start right away—within three months of the traumatic event. But in some cases, symptoms can start months or years later. And they may come and go.
If you're concerned you might have PTSD, let your doctor know. Not sure? A simple self-test can help you decide. If you've experienced a traumatic event, consider your symptoms over the past month. Ask yourself:
- Have I had nightmares or unwanted thoughts about the event?
- Did I try not to think of the event or go out of my way to avoid being reminded of it?
- Have I felt watchful or on-guard or been easily startled?
- Did I feel detached from people, activities or my surroundings?
- Did I blame myself or feel guilty about the event or its aftermath?
According to the National Center for PTSD, answering yes to at least three of those questions might mean you could have PTSD.
Share your results with your doctor or a mental healthcare provider. They can assess your condition and help you find the right treatment for you.
Live better
Treatment can help people with PTSD reduce or manage their symptoms and:
- Achieve goals at work and school.
- Avoid risky behaviors, such as substance use.
- Feel less angry.
- Learn coping skills.
- Sleep better.
Not sure how where to begin? Talk to your primary care provider. These simple tips can help you get the conversation started.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)." https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/post-traumatic-stress-disorder .
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "Do I Have PTSD?" https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/isitptsd/have_ptsd.asp.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "How Can PTSD Treatment Help You?" https://www.ptsd.va.gov/publications/print/PTSD55.pdf .
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "PTSD Basics"https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp.