What causes traumatic stress?

Abuse, including child or domestic abuse Exposure to traumatic events at work, including remote exposure Serious health problems, such as being admitted to intensive care Childbirth experiences, such as losing a baby. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that some people develop after experiencing or seeing a traumatic event. The traumatic event can be life-threatening, such as combat, natural disaster, car accident, or sexual assault. However, sometimes the event isn't necessarily dangerous.

For example, the sudden and unexpected death of a loved one can also cause PTSD. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), formerly called shock syndrome or battle fatigue, is a serious condition that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic or frightening event in which there has been serious physical threat or harm. PTSD is a lasting consequence of traumatic experiences that cause intense fear, helplessness, or horror. Some examples of things that can cause post-traumatic stress disorder include sexual or physical assault, the unexpected death of a loved one, an accident, a war, or a natural disaster.

Victims' families can develop PTSD, as can emergency personnel and rescue workers. Similarly, people with post-traumatic stress disorder have abnormally high levels of stress hormones, which are released during traumatic events. Each person is unique in their ability to manage the fear, stress and threat posed by a traumatic event or situation. PTSD symptoms may begin within one month of the traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event.