by Jasmeen Grewal 6/28/25

Let’s raise awareness about PTSD. Read more to find out its symptoms and causes. Scroll down for more resources.

SYMPTOMS

Flashbacks—reliving the traumatic event, including physical symptoms, such as a racing heart or sweating
Recurring memories or dreams related to the event
Distressing thoughts
Physical signs of stress
Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic event, but they sometimes emerge later
Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the experience
Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event
Being easily startled
Feeling tense, on guard, or on edge
Having difficulty concentrating
Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Feeling irritable and having angry or aggressive outbursts
Engaging in risky, reckless, or destructive behavior
Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
Exaggerated feelings of blame directed toward oneself or others
Ongoing negative emotions, such as fear, anger, guilt, or shame
Loss of interest in previous activities
Feelings of social isolation
Difficulty feeling positive emotions, such as happiness or satisfaction
Vivid flashbacks (feeling like the trauma is happening right now)
Intrusive thoughts or images
Nightmares
Intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma
Physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling

CAUSES

PTSD can develop from experiencing a traumatic event like combat, accidents, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, or being held hostage
Seeing someone else experience a traumatic event, such as a violent assault or death, can also trigger PTSD
Even learning about a traumatic event that happened to a close friend or family member can, in some cases, lead to PTSD
Individuals with a history of prior trauma, especially during childhood, are more susceptible to developing PTSD after a new traumatic event
The severity and duration of the traumatic event, as well as the presence of injury or perceived threats, inherited mental health risks (like a family history of anxiety or depression), personality traits, and how the brain regulates stress hormones can also play a role in life, can influence the likelihood of PTSD.
A lack of social support after a traumatic event can increase the risk of developing PTSD
Existing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can also increase the risk of developing PTSD
Experiences like abuse or neglect during childhood have been linked to a higher risk of PTSD later in life
Repeated exposure to traumatic events, such as in cases of domestic violence or ongoing abuse, can significantly increase the risk of PTSD

The NAMI HelpLine is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264, text “NAMI” to 62640, or email at helpline@nami.org.
View the NAMI HelpLine Resource Directory, which provides links to a variety of mental health resources, including those for PTSD and trauma
Main: 703-524-7600
Member Services: 888-999-6264

National Alliance on Mental Illness
Resources for Clinicians Related to the Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults
Telephone: (800) 374-2721 or (202) 336-5500
American Psychological Association
ADAA links to a PTSD mobile coaching app (from the US Department of Veteran Affairs).
ADAA provides a directory of local mental health professionals.
ADAA lets you search for PTSD support groups in your area or walks you through the steps to start your support group.
ISTSS provides a Clinician Directory that allows you to search for a mental health professional based on your location, doctor’s specialty, special interests, demographics, and language.
National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD): https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/ptsd
Mental Health America has a resource directory for local support
Sidran Institute offers a Help Desk to find personalized, compassionate support
If you are a veteran, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1.800.273.8255 for assistance locating a mental health facility near you
PTSD Alliance
800-698-2411, Hours: 24/7
For VA.gov technical support, select 9, then 3. Or, call us directly at 866-279-3677.
U.S Department of Veteran Affairs