Posttraumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of mental health condition that some people get after they go through a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include scary or dangerous things like war, natural disasters, accidents, or bad experiences like physical or sexual abuse. People with PTSD often have trouble sleeping and may feel bad about things that remind them of the traumatic event. They might also have nightmares about it or feel very scared or upset in situations that remind them of the trauma.

But PTSD also has a physical effect too- it can cause lots of stress and physical reactions that are automatic and out of control. For example, someone with PTSD might get very scared when they hear a loud noise, even though they may not know why they're scared.

The good news is, people can get help with PTSD. Talking to a therapist, taking medicine, and time can all help someone get back to feeling better.