Common signs & symptoms
Symptoms can include intrusive memories or nightmares, avoidance, emotional numbing, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle, irritability, sleep disturbance, guilt, and difficulty concentrating.
How it can affect daily life
PTSD may affect relationships, work, decision-making, substance use, physical health, sleep, trust, and the ability to feel safe even when immediate danger has passed.
When to seek help
Professional assessment is appropriate when trauma-related symptoms are persistent, worsening, interfering with daily life, or accompanied by substance use, severe depression, self-harm thoughts, or suicidal crisis.