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Your friend or family member is home but they seem nervous and agitated by crowds. Maybe they're snappy with kids, drive dangerously, or they're having trouble sleeping or experiencing nightmares or flashbacks. They may be distant, forgetful, or lash out at the slightest thing. This behavior is normal, and it could be a sign of something warriors have been facing for thousands of years: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Although its onset may be delayed, post-traumatic stress disorder is an injury that develops in people who've experienced severe emotional or physical trauma. It is the body's normal reaction to an extreme situation, Think about it. Your spouse, parent, or friend went through more than you can imagine during their deployment. They went days, if not weeks, with little sleep, little food, and lots of fear. Their survival depended on them being alert and aware all the time. PTSD is like an echo of these experiences that your loved one can't shake on their own. Like many physical injuries, PTSD is treatable, but you need to know what to look for:

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Some common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Hyper-vigilance (being on guard constantly)
• Exaggerated startle response (jumping after hearing loud noises)
• Sleep disturbances (lack of sleep, oversleeping)
• Irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lack of interest/apathy
• Feelings of detachment
• Loss of appetite
• Rage
• Alcohol/drug abuse
• Erratic/aggressive driving habits

Your loved one may also relive traumatic events, avoid situations that remind them of their deployment, and experience feelings of guilt. Many Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder also suffer from depression. Learn more about PTSD from the PTSD Information Center.

Talk about it.

Talking about problems like PTSD can help you and your loved one get help sooner, which can increase the chance of recovery and prevent larger problems from developing. It also lets your friend or family member know that they are not alone. Use the following tips, and learn more about how to start a conversation.

• Let them know that you're concerned
• Be a good listener
• Be positive
• Ask how you can help
• Offer to connect them with resources and other Veterans
• Avoid giving advice unless asked

Get help for your Veteran.

If you think your loved one may be suffering from PTSD, get help as soon as possible. The symptoms of PTSD can worsen with time, and early intervention can increase the speed of recovery.

• Visit the National Center for PTSD website
• Find your nearest VA hospital by calling 877-222-VETS
• Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website
• Call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647
• Check out the Vet Center Readjustment Services
• Call the VFW or American Legion for Veteran support services
• Contact your health care professional
• Encourage your loved one to talk with other Veterans on CommunityofVeterans.org

Get help for yourself.

• Talk with other family and friends in the SupportYourVet.org forum
• Contact your health care professional
• Check out the Vet Center Readjustment Services
• Visit GiveAnHour.org for free mental health services