If you are experiencing these symptoms for a duration of more than a month, you could be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Exposure to a traumatic event
Being personally involved in or witnessing an event that is traumatic — involving death, the threat of death or serious injury.

The event is persistently re-experienced
Having recurring dreams about the event or having persistent and distressing recollections of the event.

An avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma
Making efforts to avoid thoughts, conversations, people, places and activities associated with the trauma.

A numbing of general responsiveness
Pulling back and having a diminished interest in activities that are significant. Feeling detached or estranged from others.

Increased arousal symptoms not present before trauma
Being easily startled, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Developing a heightened irritability and/or having angry outbursts.

Disturbance impairs other areas of functioning
Experiencing significant impairment in social or occupational activities or any other important areas of functioning.

For more information about PTSD, visit:

The National Mental Health Association
www.nmha.org

American Psychiatric Association
www.psych.org

The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
www.ncptsd.va.gov