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Know what to look for: the 4 big signs of PTSD laid out in less than 4 minutes
Knowing the signs and symptoms of PTSD can save a life. Here are the big four to watch out for.
06.16.15
True
Veterans Crisis Line
You may be familiar with the term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
You might even think you know what PTSD looks like. But do you know how to tell the difference between run-of-the-mill stress or something more serious?
It's common to have stress after experiencing or witnessing a trauma, like a car accident, natural disaster, military service, or abuse.
<h3>When anxiety and distress last longer than three months after a traumatic incident and don't seem to be getting better, that may be a sign of PTSD. </h3><p>PTSD has been a hotbed topic with <a href="http://www.ptsd.va.gov/PTSD/public/PTSD-overview/basics/how-common-is-ptsd.asp" target="_blank">11% to 20% of veterans</a> returning from Iraq and Afghanistan report experiencing symptoms in a given year. </p><p>And while the disorder makes headlines, many people are still unsure what to look for or how to support themselves or someone they care about.</p><h3>If you are suffering (or know someone who is) from nightmares, extreme guilt, or fits of anger, it may be time to reach out for help. </h3><p>There are <strong>four major symptoms associated with PTSD</strong>. Recognizing them is the first step on the road to recovery. </p><p><br></p><p class="image-caption"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTQ5MTQ1MS9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTE5MjIyNH0.fl6UqVNXUjecg7LBmZAIBBT1PsKgSK9K4Gz5XFNsQ-Y/img.gif?width=980" id="c87c7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e813fb8b7a3186746c44dbac864ba9cb" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"> </p><p><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTQ5MTQ1Mi9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NjE3OTQwOH0.pBsZT2r9R7agzdMC5eYPKkNZFgWz3Cufss9lAhg_bWI/img.gif?width=980" id="8b630" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f151a20768905b968139fcc5605c52c8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"></p><p><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTQ5MTQ1My9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMTM5NzQzOX0.sO72OBD3gfn-dIHTcY1zn3INIG7ObEnEvlStX2DD_7Q/img.gif?width=980" id="013d3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bad2d7419044dd788427ecf0972259f3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"></p><p class="image-caption"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTQ5MTQ1NC9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMzUzNjQzMn0.OweCWvE-rtDwPgKRXUe4rWvdbl9xaZFFT8WAM0iXaoU/img.gif?width=980" id="69a4e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e113196096e226e6949b216051687540" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image"></p><p class="image-caption">Images via Veterans Health Administration.<br></p><h3>But there's support for those experiencing PTSD.<br></h3><p>There are lots of <a href="http://www2.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=posttraumatic_stress_disorder&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=123099" target="_blank">treatment</a> options to manage PTSD, from traditional methods like counseling and medication to alternative solutions like yoga and meditation. </p><p>There are also specific resources and networks for <a href="http://maketheconnection.net/conditions/ptsd" target="_blank">veterans</a> and <a href="https://rainn.org/effects-of-sexual-assault/post-traumatic-stress-disorder" target="_blank">survivors of sexual assault</a>. </p><h3>Just remember, no one has to go through this alone. </h3><span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="8ae3e9c1b7f1dd09e432889cd166fe0e"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YMC2jt_QVEE?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
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