Understanding PTSD

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If you are currently experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. If you’re thinking about harming yourself, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-8255 to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you. For youth under the age of 18, call the Division of Child and Family Services’ (DCFS) Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) at 702-486-7865 in Southern Nevada or 775-688-1670 in Northern Nevada.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as violence, abuse, natural disasters, serious accidents, combat, or other life-threatening situations. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and symptoms vary widely.

It is normal to have fear, stress, or intrusive memories after trauma. Most people begin to recover with time; however, when symptoms persist for longer than one month, significantly interfere with daily functioning, or worsen over time, PTSD may be present.

PTSD can occur in anyone, at any age, including children, adolescents, and adults. Risk factors include previous trauma, lack of support after the event, female gender, and certain biological or environmental factors.

Common Causes of PTSD

PTSD can result from single events or repeated/ongoing trauma.

Examples include:

  • Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
  • Domestic or community violence
  • War or combat exposure
  • Severe accidents
  • Natural disasters
  • Witnessing harm to others

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and symptoms vary widely.

PTSD Symptoms

Symptoms generally fall into four major categories, and a PTSD diagnosis requires that they last more than one month and cause substantial impairment.

1. Intrusive Symptoms

  • Flashbacks (reliving the event)
  • Upsetting or recurring memories
  • Nightmares
  • Intense emotional or physical reactions

2. Avoidance Symptoms

  • Avoiding thoughts or conversations about the trauma
  • Avoiding people, places, or activities that trigger reminders

3. Mood & Cognitive Symptoms

  • Persistent negative beliefs
  • Guilt, shame, anger, or fear
  • Memory problems related to the trauma
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Feeling detached or emotionally numb

4. Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms

  • Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
  • Irritability or outbursts
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  • Feeling “on edge”

PTSD Support and Treatment Resources in Nevada

  • Immediate Crisis Support - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
    Available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or crisis. Calls, texts, and chat services connect you with a trained counselor who can help stabilize immediate concerns.
  • Statewide Information and Referrals - Nevada 211
    Mental health and family service directories statewide. For general mental health information, referrals, and supportive services.

When to Seek Help

Seek professional help if:

  • Symptoms persist beyond one month
  • Daily functioning is disrupted
  • Symptoms worsen or new symptoms emerge
  • There is any concern for harm to self or others

Treatment works, and recovery is possible—no one needs to navigate PTSD alone.

Access your behavioral health services

To access your behavioral health services or to locate a provider near you, call toll-free 1-800-280-3782, TTY 711. 

To schedule a visit with an EAP counselor, please visit bhoptions.eapintake.com. 

 

Sources: nimh.nih.gov; ptsd.va.gov