In most cases, the first symptoms of PTSD occur in the first three months after a traumatic event, but in a small number of cases symptoms may not arise until years later. Common symptoms experienced by those with PTSD include:
- flashbacks, or reliving the traumatic event
- nightmares about the event
- uncontrollable scary thoughts
- avoidance of things that remind you of the event
- feelings of worry, sadness, or isolation
- feeling shame or guilt about the event
- difficulty sleeping
- trouble with concentration or memory
- feeling “on edge”
- irritability or angry outbursts
- thoughts of hurting yourself or others
- problems with relationships
- self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much
- feeling emotionally numb
- feelings of hopelessness about the future
- being easily startled or frightened
The symptoms may be constant or they may tend to come and go. Symptoms are often intensified during periods of life stress or when something reminds you of the traumatic event.