Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is an anxiety disorder that some people can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. In recent years PTSD has been associated most often with soldiers returning from combat. However, PTSD can impact survivors of natural disasters and survivors of crime and their friends and family members who witnessed the crime. Although not everyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event will develop PTSD, it is important to know the signs of PTSD and how this common disorder can impact you or someone you love. Common signs that a person is dealing with PTSD can include reliving the trauma in dreams, anger, irritability, strong reactions to reminders of the trauma, sleepless nights, and problems communicating with loved ones. These signs can begin immediately after the traumatic incident or they can begin years later. To learn more about PTSD and the warning signs, here are a few resources:
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2017/PTSD-and-Trauma-Not-Just-for-Veterans
https://youth.gov/feature-article/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-awareness-month