What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It may cause ongoing challenges such as intrusive memories, negative thoughts, or avoidance behaviors that make daily life more difficult.

PTSD was once called “shell shock” or “combat fatigue” because it was first recognized in soldiers after World War I and II. Today, we understand that PTSD can affect anyone—not just veterans. It often involves flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional struggles that may feel overwhelming.

It’s normal to experience distress after events like natural disasters, accidents, or assaults. For many people, these feelings ease with time. But when symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, or heightened anxiety last for months—or even years—they may be signs of PTSD.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD looks different for everyone, but symptoms often fall into four main categories:

• Intrusive thoughts – distressing memories, nightmares, or vivid flashbacks that feel like the trauma is happening again.
• Avoidance behaviors – steering clear of people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma, or trying to block out painful thoughts.
• Negative thought patterns – ongoing feelings of guilt, fear, shame, anger, or hopelessness, sometimes linked to survivor’s guilt or loss of trust in others.
• Heightened reactivity – changes in behavior such as being easily startled, having angry outbursts, difficulty sleeping, or feeling “on edge.”

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and they can range from mild to severe.

How is PTSD treated?

At Optimus Mental Health Care, our team takes time to understand your unique experience and needs. After a thorough assessment, we create a personalized treatment plan designed to ease symptoms and help you heal.

Treatment often combines:

• Therapy – such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you recognize unhelpful thought patterns and learn healthier ways to respond.
• Medication management – when appropriate, to reduce symptoms like anxiety, sleep problems, or mood instability.

Taking the next step

If you or someone you love is living with PTSD, remember—you don’t have to go through it alone. Support and healing are possible. Call Optimus Mental Health Care or request an appointment online today.