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• ​Post Traumatic Stress DisorderSymptoms

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• Re-Experiencing the Traumatic Event

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• Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event 

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

• Nightmares (either of the event or of 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)

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• Avoidance and Emotional Numbing

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• 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)

 

• Increased Arousal

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• Difficulty falling or staying asleep 

• Irritability or outbursts of anger 

• Difficulty concentrating 

• Hypervigilance (on constant “red alert”) 

• Feeling jumpy and easily startled

 

• Other Common Symptoms 

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• Anger and irritability 

• Guilt, shame, or self-blame 

• Substance abuse 

• Depression and hopelessness 

• Suicidal thoughts and feelings 

• Feeling alienated and alone 

• Feelings of mistrust and betrayal 

• Headaches, stomach problems, chest pain

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• Emotional Symptoms​​

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• Shock, denial, or disbelief 

• Anger, irritability, mood swings 

• Guilt, shame, self-blame 

• Feeling sad or hopeless

• Confusion, difficulty concentrating 

• Anxiety and fear

• Withdrawing from others 

• Feeling disconnected or numb

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• Physical Symptoms

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• Insomnia or nightmares 

• Being startled easily

• Racing heartbeat 

• Aches and pains

• Fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating

• Edginess and agitation

• Muscle tension

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