PTSD & Trauma

Whole-Person Education for Healthier Minds & Healthier Bodies

Understanding PTSD & Trauma

What Is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma can include military combat, childhood abuse or neglect, sexual assault, domestic violence, serious accidents, natural disasters, first responder or healthcare trauma, incarceration, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and effective treatments are available.

DSM-5 Criteria

Healthcare providers diagnose PTSD when symptoms last longer than one month, cause significant distress or interfere with daily life, and follow exposure to a traumatic event.

·         Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares

·         Avoiding reminders of the trauma

·         Negative changes in mood, thoughts, or beliefs

·         Feeling constantly on guard or easily startled (hypervigilance)

·         Irritability, anger, difficulty sleeping, or trouble concentrating

Common Signs & Symptoms

·         Flashbacks or unwanted memories

·         Nightmares

·         Emotional numbness

·         Avoiding people, places, or conversations

·         Guilt, shame, or self-blame

·         Anxiety or panic

·         Difficulty trusting others

·         Sleep problems

·         Feeling detached from others

·         Being easily startled

Trauma Can Affect Anyone

·         Veterans and active military

·         Children and adolescents

·         Survivors of abuse or violence

·         Healthcare workers and first responders

·         Law enforcement and correctional staff

·         Victims of accidents or natural disasters

·         Anyone exposed to a traumatic event

Common Treatment Options

PTSD is treatable, and many people improve with evidence-based care.

·         Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

·         Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

·         Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy

·         Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

·         Medication management when clinically appropriate

·         Support groups and healthy lifestyle habits

Healthy Coping Tips

·         Maintain a regular sleep routine

·         Exercise regularly

·         Practice grounding and breathing techniques

·         Stay connected with supportive people

·         Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs

·         Seek professional help rather than coping alone

When Should You Seek Help?

If memories of trauma, nightmares, anxiety, or avoidance interfere with your work, relationships, sleep, or daily life, a mental health evaluation is recommended. Early treatment can improve recovery.

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or are in crisis, call 911 or 988 immediately.

Healing Is Possible.

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This handout is for educational general awareness purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.