Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem. PTSD can only develop after you go through or see a life-threatening event. It’s normal to have stress reactions to these types of events, and most people start to feel better after a few weeks. If symptoms last longer than a month and are causing problems in your life, it could be PTSD.
It’s common to experience distressing memories, feel anxious or on edge, or have trouble sleeping after going through a traumatic event. You might find it difficult to carry out everyday tasks like going to work or school, or even being around loved ones. These reactions are normal in the days and weeks following trauma, and for many people, symptoms gradually improve with time.
However, for some, symptoms may begin later or come and go. If it’s been more than a month and your thoughts or feelings about the event are still upsetting or interfering with your life, you may be experiencing PTSD.
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
There are 4 types of PTSD symptoms. To be diagnosed with PTSD, you need to have each type. That said, everyone experiences symptoms in their own way.
- Reliving the event (also called re-experiencing symptoms). Memories of the traumatic event can come back at any time. They can feel very real and scary.
- Avoiding things that remind you of the event. You may try to avoid situations or people remind you of the trauma event. You may even avoid talking or thinking about the event.
- Having more negative thoughts and feelings than before the event. The way you think about yourself and others may become more negative because of the trauma.
- Feeling on edge or keyed up (also called hyperarousal). You may be jittery, or always alert and on the lookout for danger. You might suddenly become angry or irritable.
What Treatments Are Available?
Both trauma-focused psychotherapy (sometimes called counseling or talk therapy) and medication are proven to treat PTSD. Sometimes people combine psychotherapy and medication.
How Common is PTSD in Veterans?
Military service can involve exposure to intense and life-threatening experiences, such as combat, dangerous missions, or serious training accidents. These kinds of events can increase the risk of developing PTSD.
PTSD is slightly more common in Veterans than in the general population. About 7 out of every 100 Veterans (7%) will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, compared to 6 out of every 100 adults (6%) in the general population. Rates are higher among female Veterans—13 out of 100 (13%)—compared to 6 out of 100 (6%) male Veterans.
U.S. Veterans of Different Service Eras
The data below is from a large study of Veterans across the country:
| Service Era | PTSD in the Past Year | PTSD at Some Point in Life | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom | 15 out of 100 (15%) | 29 out of 100 (29%) | |||||||||
| Persian Gulf War (Desert Storm) | 14 out of 100 (14%) | 21 out of 100 (21%) | |||||||||
| Vietnam War | 5 out of 100 (5%) | 10 out of 100 (10%) | |||||||||
| World War II and Korean War | 2 out of 100 (2%) | 3 out of 100 (3%) | |||||||||
| NOTE: The data above is from a large study of Veterans across the country that were alive at the time of the study. As such, it does not include Veterans in any service area who have died and may have had PTSD. | |||||||||||
Help Raise PTSD Awareness
Currently, around 12 million people in the United States are living with PTSD.
While effective treatments are available, many people with PTSD don’t receive the help they need. You can help raise awareness by spreading the message that PTSD is treatable. Whether someone is a Veteran or a civilian who has experienced sexual assault, a serious accident, a natural disaster or another traumatic event, it’s important to know that treatment can make a real difference and lead to a better quality of life.
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Spread the Word
The following materials can be easily downloaded, printed, and/or shared for PTSD Awareness Month.
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Partner with Us
Growing public understanding of PTSD and spreading the word that PTSD treatment works takes all of us. The VA encourage you to raise awareness with us.
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Understand PTSD
Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. There are factors that can increase the chance someone will develop PTSD, and these are often not under that person’s control. To begin understanding PTSD:
Start with PTSD Basics. This page offers key information about trauma, PTSD, and treatment options.
Download our Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment (PDF) booklet.
Participate in our free, in-depth Continuing Education Courses for more advanced information. Professionals can earn continuing education credits for most courses.
There are options for treating PTSD. For many people, effective treatments less intense or get rid of symptoms altogether. Take the mystery out of PTSD treatment:
Watch our short whiteboard video PTSD Treatment: Know Your Options to learn which treatments are best.
Use the PTSD Treatment Decision Aid to find the treatment that is best for you.
Visit AboutFace, a website where Veterans, their family members, and clinicians talk about turning life around with PTSD treatment.
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Get Support
The National Center for PTSD does not provide direct clinical care or individual referrals. We provide information to help you find local mental health services and information on trauma and PTSD. Effective treatments for PTSD are available.
Get Help in a Crisis Numbers for emergency resources such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) and Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1).
Find a Provider Suggestions for finding a therapist, counselor, or mental health care provider who can help your recovery.
Help for Veterans Resources to help you find VA PTSD treatment programs and Vet Centers.
Help for Family and Friends Resources to help you take care of yourself while supporting someone with PTSD.
You can also find Self-Help and Coping tools to help you manage stress reactions, regardless of whether or not you have PTSD.