Crisis Fact Sheet: 10
Ways to Recognize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The American Counseling Association,
its 17 divisions and 56 branches are concerned about the emotional and
psychological after-effects of natural disasters, traumatic events such as
the Oklahoma City bombing, and other sudden, trauma inducing events. To
help others cope with their feelings of loss, we offer the following
information, which is equally helpful for individuals facing other
emotional crises in their lives.
10 Ways to
Recognize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
After a loss, it is normal to go through a natural grieving process.
Sometimes, however, after a tragedy, such as a sudden traumatic event,
feelings of loss surface several weeks or months after the tragedy
occurred. This is called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Recognizing these symptoms in yourself or others is the first step toward
recovery and finding appropriate treatment.
1) Re-experiencing the event through
vivid memories or flash backs
2) Feeling “emotionally numb”
3) Feeling overwhelmed by what would
normally be considered everyday situations and diminished interest in
performing normal tasks or pursuing usual interests
4) Crying uncontrollably
5) Isolating oneself from family and
friends and avoiding social situations
6) Relying increasingly on alcohol
or drugs to get through the day
7) Feeling extremely moody,
irritable, angry, suspicious or frightened
8) Having difficulty falling or
staying asleep, sleeping too much and experiencing nightmares
9) Feeling guilty about surviving
the event or being unable to solve the problem, change the event or
prevent the disaster
10) Feeling fears and sense of doom
about the future
Founded in 1952, the American
Counseling Association is the world’s largest private, non-profit
organization for professional counselors. Dedicated to promoting public
confidence and trust in the counseling profession, the American Counseling
Association serves nearly 55,000 members in the United States and 50 other
countries by providing leadership training, continuing education and
advocacy services.
ACA fact sheets may be reprinted
with attribution.
