Do You Know How to Recognize PTSD

Derek H. Suite, M.D.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a type of anxiety disorder, can happen after a deeply threatening or scary event. Even if you weren't directly involved, the shock of what happened can be so great that you have a hard time living a normal life. People with PTSD can have insomnia, flashbacks, low self-esteem, and a lot of painful or unpleasant emotions. They might constantly relive the event and have a tough time at work or engaging in social activities and may end up with Major Depression, Substance Use, or OCD. The good news is that PTSD is highly treatable with trauma-focused counseling--and in some cases with medications. You should not delay getting help.