Post-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD) is a mental health disorder that begins after a traumatic event.
People who experience PTSD feel a heightened sense of danger. Their natural fight or flight or freeze response is altered after the traumatic event, which can cause them to feel scared, stressed or fearful when they’re safe.Â
Some signs of PTSD can include experiencing flashbacks, avoiding places or things associated with the traumatic event, being startled easily, negative thoughts about yourself, depression and panic attacks, nightmares, feeling angry for no reason, problems concentrating or feeling sad.Â
PTSD can happen to anyone at any age, and is not a sign of being weak or flawed.
More information and support
If your PTSD is linked to sexual assault
Rape Crisis Help – rapecrisishelp.ie
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 24-Hour Helpline – drcc.ie
If you’re thinking about suicide or self-harm or if you need help right away, call 999 or 112
There are also specific support lines that you can call:
Samaritans Ireland – 116 123
Pieta House – 1800 247 247
Childline can also be contacted by any child or young person by calling 1800 66 66 66, texting to 50101 or chatting online at Childline.ie 24 hours a day, every day.
To Find Out More About PTSD Check Out:
HSE Website – Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Information
MindWise – About Post Traumatic Stress DisorderÂ
 A Terrible Thing Happened By Margaret M. HolmesÂ
