Intrusive Memories

A traumatic experience will often be followed by scary memories or nightmares. However, for a person suffering from PTSD, these memories become debilitating, causing the sufferer to relive the event as if it were happening again. This causes terrifying nightmares, or recurrent memories that are difficult to shake. People with PTSD may also develop triggers and have extreme emotional or physical reactions to things that remind them of the tragedy.

Avoidance

People who are suffering from PTSD may use avoidance as a coping mechanism. They may refuse to discuss the tragedy or avoid thinking about it. They may also disassociate themselves with people who remind them of the traumatic experience – including people who witnessed or experienced it with them or relatives and friends. They may also avoid activities, such as driving a car or flying, or they may change their clothing, stop wearing makeup, or take other measures to alter themselves after a sexual attack.

Negative Changes in Thinking And Mood

PTSD sufferers often show a significant change in self-perception or their perception of others (such as not trusting men after a sexual assault). They may describe an inability to feel happiness or say that they feel numb. Along with these changes in thinking in mood are often many changes in activities. PTSD sufferers may stop participating in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed, or stop taking measures to plan for the future because of a feeling of hopelessness.

Web MD points out that other PTSD sufferers may develop memory problems and block out all or parts of the event. They may withdraw socially and distance themselves from friends, relatives, and loved ones, or they may have difficulty developing or maintaining personal relationships.