(HealthDay News) -- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a very real illness. People may get it after living through a terrible and scary experience such as rape or sexual abuse; assault by a family member; an airplane or car crash; a natural disaster such as hurricane, tornado, or fire; a war; or any event that may have put them in danger of being killed or seriously injured.
People with PTSD often have nightmares or scary thoughts about the terrible experience they went through. They may avoid anything that reminds them of the frightening experience, and may feel angry and unable to care about or trust other people. They sometimes feel very upset when something happens without warning.
The National Institute of Mental Health urges people who think they may have PTSD to talk to a doctor or social worker about their feelings. Be sure to ask this person if he or she has special training to help people with PTSD.
