Symptoms may include:

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Intrusive memories:

• Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event

• Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)

• Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event

• Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event

 

Avoidance

• Evading thinking or talking about the traumatic event

• Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event

 

Negative changes in thinking and mood

• Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world

• Hopelessness about the future

• Difficulty maintaining close relationships

• Feeling detached from family and friends

• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions or feeling emotionally numb

• Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event

 

Changes in physical and emotional reactions

• Being easily startled or frightened

• Always being on guard for danger

• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast

• Trouble sleeping

• Trouble concentrating

• Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior

• Overwhelming guilt or shame