Common Symptoms
Symptoms typically begin within three months of the traumatic event, but they can occur years after an incident. These symptoms impact both personal and social functioning. To be clinically considered PTSD, symptoms need to be present for at least a month. If you experience a traumatic event or prolonged exposure to traumatic events, look out for these common symptoms of PTSD:
Warfighter Risk Factors for PTSD
- Exposure to life-threatening events.
- Getting hurt or wounded in training or combat.
- Seeing others get hurt or wounded in training or combat.
- Increased risk for death or injury.
- Being away from home for long periods of time.
- Sexual trauma (harassment, abuse, etc.).
- History of mental illness or substance use.
- Childhood trauma.
Maintaining Mission Readiness
- Check in with your fellow Warfighters frequently. If you are in a leadership position, check in with your subordinates from time to time.
- Build strong support systems (e.g., family, friends, support groups).
- Seek help, whether through a behavioral health provider or alternative methods such as sport or animal-based therapies.
- If prescribed, take medication as directed to help with symptoms.
Additional Resources
- In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline (available 24/7). Services are free and confidential.
- National Center for PTSD
- Psychological Health Center of Excellence | Health.mil