Mental illnesses affect millions of people across the globe. The severity of mental illnesses varies. Some experience a milder form of mental stress that is characterized by social anxiety or nervousness. On the other hand, a large percentage of sufferers must cope daily with recollections and thoughts that disrupt their life. Depression results in many being unable to rise from bed in the morning, and is the number one reason why many commit suicide each year. Those who have never experienced a traumatic situation, or who have never dealt with depression and anxiety may underestimate the seriousness of mental illnesses. One mental illness that has gained much attention in recent years is post-traumatic stress disorder.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that is triggered from an emotional experience. Many times, those who experience PTSD have endured an unbelievable experience, or have witnessed an event that leaves a negative imprint on their mind. In most cases, PTSD is triggered from a life-threatening event such as war, a natural disaster, accident, or hostage situation. PTSD does not affect everyone. There are individuals who have endured many terrible events throughout their life and do not display any lasting effects, whereas some may develop PTSD after a single life changing event. It is estimated that post-traumatic stress disorder affects 5 million adults in the United States.

How Does Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Develop?

Post-traumatic stress disorder may develop immediately following a traumatic experience, or not surface for many years after the event. In most cases, many begin to show signs of PTSD within days of an event. Among the people who will live through a traumatic experience, 28% will develop some form of PTSD. Milder forms of the disorder may appear immediately, and subside as time passes. However, approximately 30% of all those affected with PTSD will develop a chronic form of the disorder that will become a life-long battle. Fortunately, PTSD has remission periods, in which the sufferer will not experience any overwhelming memories or flashbacks of their past events.