Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms

Symptoms for most people with post traumatic stress disorder usually start within three months of a traumatic event, but for some may not occur until years after the event.  The symptoms that people experience can come and go depending on things like stress level or experiencing reminders of the traumatic event. 

It can be difficult to know the difference between having some difficulty dealing with a traumatic event and PTSD.  When the feelings you have start to affect your ability to live your day-to-day life, you may want to talk with someone about the possibility that you may be experiencing PTSD.  People who experience PTSD sometimes use alcohol or drugs to cover up or deal with the symptoms they feel.  However, this can lead to substance use disorder.

PTSD Signs:

• Intrusive or upsetting memories of the event
• Flashbacks (reliving the trauma for minutes or even days at a time)
• Nightmares or upsetting dreams about the event
• Avoiding thinking or talking about the event
• Avoiding activities or places that remind you of the event
• Loss of interest in activities
• Trouble remembering things, especially related to the event
• Feeling hopeless about the future
• Feeling emotionally numb
• Irritability or anger
• Feeling overwhelming guilt or shame
• Sleep difficulty
• Self-destructive behaviors
• Becoming easily startled or frightened
• Unexplained physical problems such as headaches, nausea, or chest pains

Could you or someone you know have a problem with drugs or alcohol with PTSD?  Call 303.657.3700 or e-mail info@ahinc.org for help. Phone lines are open Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.