PTSD is an anxiety disorder that affects the way you feel after a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, the death of a loved one or being the victim of a crime. It can cause problems with your sleep, eating and relationships. You may also have intrusive thoughts or feelings about the traumatic event that make you feel like it is happening again. Symptoms can get worse over time unless you take steps to treat them. There are effective treatments for PTSD that involve psychological treatment, such as counselling, or medication. The earlier you seek help, the better.

A health practitioner will diagnose PTSD when you have been exposed to a trauma, and have symptoms that last more than two weeks and interfere with your work and study, your relationships with other people or daily life. Symptoms include the following:

Negative emotions, such as sadness, fear or anger; distorted beliefs that other people are dangerous or cant be trusted; or feelings of being numb and disconnected from other people; difficulty sleeping; a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy; feeling guilty, ashamed or angry about something connected with the traumatic experience; and recurring dreams or flashbacks about the traumatic event.

It is normal to have some PTSD symptoms after a traumatic event, but it is not usual for them to be so severe that they interfere with your day-to-day life. Prompt treatment with a mental health professional can help you get back to your normal routine.

Symptoms of PTSD can be different for each person. They can appear quickly, or develop in the hours or days after the traumatic event. Sometimes they are triggered by something that reminds you of the event, such as a sound or a smell. Often they come on out of the blue, or appear unexpectedly.

A traumatic experience can lead to depression, drug or alcohol addiction or suicidal thoughts. If you have PTSD and think you might hurt yourself or someone else, see your doctor or go to the emergency room.

It is important to have a support network, and stay in contact with friends and family. You can find support groups for PTSD online. You should also avoid drugs and alcohol, as these can increase your anxiety and make the PTSD symptoms you are experiencing worse. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing and massage can activate the bodys relaxation response and help ease PTSD symptoms. Its also important to exercise and eat well. Avoid sugary or processed foods and drink plenty of water. Getting enough rest can also help reduce your symptoms. It is important to connect with others, and to spend time in a safe environment. You can do this in one-to-one counselling sessions, group therapy or online counseling.