post traumatic stress disorder

"After the rape, I went for months feeling nothing - completely numb. I talked about the
assault like it had happened to someone else. I jumped at the slightest noise or touch,
and stayed awake as long as I could to avoid the terrifying nightmares that haunted me
every night."

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms:

Some common symptoms are:

easily startled
ordinary events remind you of the traumatic event
feeling physically and/or emotionally numb
flashbacks of the traumatic event or re-living the traumatic event in your mind
lose interest in activities you enjoy
nightmares about the traumatic event
difficulty sleeping
feeling detached from yourself or feelings of unreality
difficulty being affectionate
irritability
feeling strong emotions such as rage or violent tendencies

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is diagnosed as debilitating physical and mental symptoms that disrupt your daily life following a traumatic event. Some examples of traumatic events are sexual assault, child abuse, domestic abuse, war, natural disasters, serious accidents, muggings, or terrorist attacks. PTSD can also develop after witnessing someone close to you experiencing a traumatic or life-threatening event.

Not every person experiencing a traumatic event develops PTSD. PTSD is diagnosed only when symptoms last more than a month and interfere with your daily life. PTSD often does not develop until several months or years after the traumatic event. Anniversary dates can trigger powerful memories of the traumatic experience.

Because ordinary events and situations can trigger disturbing reminders of the trauma, people suffering from PTSD often severely limit their daily activities.