What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

When most people hear the term “post-traumatic stress disorder” or “PTSD,” they immediately turn their attention to thoughts of veterans coming home from deployment overseas and the obstacles these servicemen and women encounter back at home. But did you know that PTSD affects others, too?

In addition to these brave men and women, many other people may experience PTSD following a life-threatening event that puts their own well-being or that of another person at risk. For instance, many survivors of domestic and sexual abuse exhibit the signs of PTSD but might not realize it.

VProud.tv has partnered with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) to discuss what post-traumatic stress disorder is and how you can help yourself and/or a loved one exhibiting symptoms.

Check out the video above to learn more.

Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.

 

By Lily Herman on November 11, 2015
Lily is the Managing Editor at HelloFlo, where she oversees all editorial and social media operations for the brand. In addition to her work at HF, she's co-founder and CEO of The Prospect, the largest student-run college access organization in the world. Her work has been featured on TIME, Forbes, Newsweek, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Mashable, USA TODAY and Lifehacker. You can perpetually find her on Twitter.