Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

For many people, the symptoms following a traumatic event become less severe over time as they come to terms with what’s happened. If the symptoms don’t go away, it’s possible you could have PTSD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in the hours or days after a traumatic event, but they can also be delayed by weeks or months. It will usually start within six months of the traumatic event.

Symptoms include:

• Reliving what happened, having flashbacks, dreams or nightmares
• Not being able to feel emotions
• Not feeling connected to other people
• Feeling unable to enjoy activities you used to enjoy
• Staying away from situations which remind you of the event
• Feeling on edge, panicky, upset and startled easily
• Feeling like nowhere is safe, always on the lookout for threats
• Problems sleeping