Re-experiencing Symptoms: Memories and images of the traumatic events may intrude into the minds of those with PTSD. They occur suddenly without obvious cause. They are often accompanied by intense emotions, such as grief, guilt, fear, or anger. Sometimes they can be so vivid a person believes the trauma is actually reoccurring. Nightmares, Night Terrors Sleepwalking, Sleep Fighting Unwanted Daytime Memories, Images, Thoughts, Daydreams Flashbacks, Feeling Like You're Reliving the Traumatic Event Somatic Flashbacks (Physical Pain or Medical Condition Linked to the Feeling or Bodily States Associated with the Traumatic Event) Fixated on War Experience, Living the Past Spontaneous Psychotic Episodeds (the World Vanishes and you're Suddenly Somewhere Else, Experiencing Some Sort of Trauma) Panic Attacks, Undefined Dread or Fear Phobias
Avoidance Symptoms: Traumatized individuals attempt to avoid situations, people or events that remind them of their trauma. They feel numb, emotionless, withdrawing into themselves trying to shut out the painful memories and feelings. Friends and family feel rejected by them, as they are unable to show appropriate affection and emotion.
Avoiding anyone or anything that reminds you of the traumatic event Physical/emotional reaction to things that remind you of the traumatic event Self-isolating, dread or social interaction Anxiety in crowds, traffic Despair, depression, sadness, emptiness, loneliness Inability to trust others Very relutctant to talk about your traumatic event Lack of interest or motivation regarding employment, recreation, former hobbies, sex, exercise Relationships that were once close and even intimate are now strained, cold, distant, requiring too much energy to maintain Emotional numbness, flat, can't get happy or sad, 'dead inside' Substance abuse to 'numb' yourself (drug, alcohol, food) Suicidal thoughts Suicide attempts Physical fatigue Neglect/abandon personal care, hygiene, nutrition, exercise
Arousal Symptoms: Fearing further trauma, PTSD sufferers are always on the alert, on guard, jumpy, unable to sleep, angry, irritable. Many also have concentration and memory problems.
Anger, irritability, “short fuse,” fits of rage Hypervigilance (always on guard), always need to be armed with knife or gun; could also include “emotional” hypervigilance Easily startled, react to loud noises, jumpy Substance abuse to “un-numb” yourself (drugs, alcohol, food) Reduced cognitive ability (slow thinking, confusion, poor problem-solving, concentration) Poor memory Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, insomnia Night sweats Accelerated heart rate, rapid breathing, heart palpitations for no good reason Question/abandon faith, feeling of being betrayed or abandoned by God, mad at God Fear of becoming violent Becoming violent, provoking fights Homicidal thoughts Anniversary reaction (become anxious nearing the monthly or yearly anniversary of the traumatic event) Adrenalin junkie (taking risks, getting hyped-up) Self-mutilation, cutting, excessive tattooing
Your Name
Branch of Service
Your Number
Your Email
City/State
Comments
