Section 1: Understanding TBI & PTSD

Recognizing Symptoms & Behaviors: PTSD

While everyone experiences PTSD differently, many people report re-experiencing the traumatic event in the form of flashbacks, intrusive thoughts/recollections of the event and nightmares or intense physical reactions to reminders of the event (rapid breathing, heart pounding, sweating, etc.).  A stress reaction may seemingly appear out of the blue - or may be provoked or "triggered" when something reminds the person of the original traumatic event.  

Avoidance of those triggering cues is a very significant symptom related to PTSD. Feeling detached from others and a feeling of emotional numbness are also common.

Other symptoms and behaviors associated with PTSD may also include:

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Poor concentration
• Irritability
• Depression
• Being hyper-alert to danger (or perceived danger)
• Feeling "on edge"
• Feeling "jumpy" or easily startled 

PTSD can develop immediately following the traumatic event - or may take weeks, months or even years to develop.  The symptoms of PTSD can arise suddenly, gradually or come and go over time.   What is important to remember is the fact that PTSD, like other psychology health injuries, is treatable.