10 Symptoms of PTSD You Should Never Ignore

Beth Battaglino, RN-C, CEO of HealthyWomen

Beth brings a unique combination of sharp business expertise and women's health insight to her leadership of the organization. Beth has worked in the health care industry for more than 25 years helping to define and drive public education programs on a broad range of women's health issues. She launched and has expanded the HealthyWomen.org brand. As a result of her leadership, HealthyWomen was recognized as one of the top 100 women's health web sites by Forbes for three consecutive years, and was recognized by Oprah magazine as one of the top women's health web sites. HealthyWomen now connects to millions of women across the country through its wide program distribution and innovative use of technology.

Beth is responsible for the business development and strategic positioning of HealthyWomen. She creates partnerships with key health care professionals and consumer groups to provide strategic, engaging and informative award-winning programs. She serves as the organization's chief spokesperson, regularly participating in corporate, non-profit, community and media events. She also is a practicing nurse in maternal child health at Riverview Medical Center- Hackensack Meridian Health, in Red Bank, NJ.

In addition to her nursing degree, Beth holds degrees in political science, business and public administration from Marymount University.

To stay sane, she loves to run and compete in road races. She enjoys skiing and sailing with her husband and young son, and welcoming new babies into the world.

Full Bio

When you think about PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), what might come to mind are frontline combatants who have been exposed to shocking and harrowing warfare or survivors of a life-threatening physical or sexual assault, car accident or terror attack.

And you wouldn't be wrong.

It's not abnormal to have a strong reaction to a disturbing situation that often triggers a "fight-or-flight" response, which produces changes in the body to help it defend against danger. And while most people will eventually recover, others will suffer extreme stress and anxiety well after the danger has passed.

That's PTSD, which affects about 7 or 8 people out of every 100 at some point in their lives. It usually surfaces within three months of the event (yet can stay hidden until years afterward).

But there is so much more to PTSD. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. Some people are more resilient than others and might have stronger coping mechanisms. But anyone can develop PTSD, at any age. And although any serious event can set it in motion, you need not to be the victim of the actual event to develop it.

PTSD can affect a witness to an occurrence or someone who has a close friend or family member who has been directly exposed to a violent or life-threatening event. Hearing repeated details about a harrowing episode or experiencing the death of a loved one could also trigger PTSD.

PTSD shouldn't go ignored, because the symptoms can grow worse with time and if left untreated can interfere with every aspect of everyday life, taking a heavy toll on work, sleep and overall physical health. It can lead to depression, substance abuse, disordered eating and guilt or blame. It can cause an overall decline in the quality of life, robbing the sufferer of joy and close relationships.

How do you know when it's "normal" anxiety and when it's PTSD?

For one, if it persists for a month or longer, it may indicate PTSD. Always check with your health care provider if you suspect PTSD or are having trouble coping with anxiety and stress related to a shocking, scary or dangerous event.

Here are some symptoms you should not ignore, even if they come and go.

Extreme volatility, agitation or anger
Withdrawal from friends and family
Flashbacks; reliving the event
Racing heart or sweating
Nightmares or bad dreams
Grief or despair; feelings that the world is dangerous and no one can be trusted
Easily startled by a loud noise or surprise
Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Frightening thoughts
Avoiding objects, places or events that are reminders of the traumatic event

Seek professional help if symptoms last longer than a month and cause great distress and disruption in your life. PTSD can be successfully treated and managed with of medications, psychotherapy ("talk" therapy), relaxation therapy, exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness therapy, and, of course, the love and support of friends and family.

For more information:

Women Returning from War

Resources for Veterans

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Symptoms of PTSD