What Kind of Events Can Cause PTSD?

Most people associate PTSD with serving in combat. Unfortunately, this deters people from seeking the PTSD treatment they may need after a traumatic event. In fact, post-traumatic stress disorder can be caused by any kind of trauma in which your well-being is physically or emotionally threatened:

Combat exposure
Physical abuse
Physical attack
Rape
Torture
Childhood neglect
Sexual molestation
Being threatened with a weapon
Kidnapping
Mugging
Robbery
Civil conflict
Car accident
Plane crash
Fire
Natural disaster
Life-threatening medical diagnosis
Death of a loved one

In addition to the above-referenced incidents, children may be particularly susceptible to PTSD caused by medical interventions, adoption, divorce, and even moving.

If you or someone you know has experienced any one of these traumas, please take the time to review (and share, need be) the following list of PTSD symptoms, as outlined in Overcoming Anxiety, Worry, and Fear: Practical Ways To Find Peace by A Place of Hope founder Dr. Gregory Jantz.

Symptoms of PTSD may include:

startling easily
becoming numb emotionally
isolating from loved ones
having difficulty with intimacy
becoming aggressive, hostile, or even violent
attempting to avoid situations they fear will remind them of the trauma
having difficulty during significant periods, such as the anniversary of the trauma
refusing to talk about the trauma with others for fear of triggering a flashback

What you may discover is that a traumatic event had more of a lasting impact on you than you realized. On the other hand, keep in mind that not all trauma causes PTSD. So what you need to do is 1) give the traumatic event the weight it warrants, 2) review and make note of PTSD symptoms you may be experiencing, and 3) reach out to a professional counselor who can help, need be.

View our frequently asked questions on PTSD

Are you or a loved one experiencing PTSD symptoms? A Place of Hope can help. Contact us for information.