PTSD: Signs and Symptoms

PTSD symptoms vary from person to person, however there are three main types of the symptoms. One type is intrusive symptoms where the individual re-experiences the event through memories, flashbacks, or nightmares. Another symptom is avoidance. The individual withdraws from people or activities that remind them of the initiating event. They also may feel numb around a person involved causing them to avoid or become distant even if they were once close. Lastly, PTSD can cause hyperarousal symptoms where a person becomes irritable or easily startled, or has trouble sleeping.

PTSD symptoms may not be extremely visible to outside eyes, but they are drastic to the individuals themselves and aren't to be taken lightly. These symptoms can interfere with everyday life and put the person in a distorted state of mind.