Warning Signs

• Feelings of intense distress when reminded of the trauma
• Flashbacks (acting or feeling like the event is happening again)
• Intense physical reactions to reminders of the event such as pounding heart, rapid breathing, nausea, muscle tension, and sweating
• Intrusive, upsetting memories of the event
• Nightmares (either of the event or of other frightening things)

Symptom: Avoidance & Numbing

• Avoiding activities, places, thoughts, or feelings that remind you of the trauma
• Feeling detached from others and emotionally numb
• Inability to remember important aspects of the trauma
• Loss of interest in activities and life in general
• Sense of a limited future (you don’t expect to live a normal life span, get married, have a career)

Symptom: Increased Anxiety & Emotional Arousal

• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Feeling jumpy and easily startled
• Hypervigilance (on constant “red alert”)
• Irritability or outbursts of anger

Other Common Symptoms of PTSD

• Anger and irritability
• Depression and hopelessness
• Feeling alienated and alone
• Feelings of mistrust and betrayal
• Guilt, shame, or self-blame
• Physical aches and pains
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal thoughts and feelings