An adult sitting by a window at night holding a mug, looking worried and contemplative in a dim, quiet room.

Recognizing PTSD Symptoms: What Your Mind and Body Are Trying to Tell You

Recognizing PTSD symptoms isn’t always straightforward. The intrusive memories, nightmares, and flashbacks that many people associate with post-traumatic stress disorder represent just one dimension of a complex condition that affects approximately 6% of adults in the United States at some point in their lives. If you’re reading this because something feels wrong after a traumatic experience, or because someone you care about seems different in ways you can’t quite name, understanding the full spectrum of symptoms is your first step toward healing.
PTSD manifests through four distinct symptom categories, and you …