PTSD, short for posttraumatic stress disorder, is an anxiety disorder that can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event like combat, an assault or a disaster.

You could have PTSD if your normal responses to trauma - like feeling scared, keyed up or sad - do not get better after about a month or they get worse.

What if you think you have PTSD?
Talk to your doctor or call the VA and ask for a PTSD evaluation. Good treatments are available for PTSD. Take the first step; you’ll be glad you did.