Spotlight on Mental Health: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Posted by NNLM Region 7 on July 28th, 2025 Posted in: Blog

---

Floods, wildfires, mass shootings, tornados, war and other kinds of violence can cause an acute response long after the event has passed.  This response, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may develop when someone has experienced or witnessed a life-threatening or traumatic event.  It persists for months or even years after the event.  PTSD can be brought on by natural disasters, war, violence and abuse.

Recognizing the symptoms and knowing where to get help is critical to addressing the issue.  According to the National Center for PTSD, along with anxiety, depression, withdrawal and substance use, common symptoms include:

• Reliving the event
• Avoiding things that remind you of the event
• Having more negative thoughts and feelings than before the event
• Feeling on edge

Anyone, at any age, in any circumstance can experience PTSD.  As a social determinant of health, social and community support cannot be underestimated in its role in recognizing and helping individuals experiencing PTSD.  This video from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America provides a brief introduction to PTSD.  Below are some additional resources that can help individuals and communities identify PTSD and take action to address it.

Resources

• 988 Lifeline
• National Center for PTSD
• Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment
• National Center for PTSD: Disaster Event Resources
• NNLM Reading Club: Adverse Childhood Experiences