It can also happen when other things that happened at the time of trauma make a person confused about their own identity. For instance a person who thinks of himself as unselfish might think he acted selfishly by saving himself during a disaster. This might make him question whether he is really who he thought he was. Sometimes, because of things they did or didn't do at the time of trauma, survivors feel that they are bad, worthless, stupid, incompetent, evil, and so on. Trauma survivors may also avoid medical care because it reminds them of their trauma and causes anxiety, and this may lead to poorer health.
Habits used to cope with post-traumatic stress, like alcohol use, can also cause health problems.
Although PTSD symptoms and other trauma-related problems may take up most of a person's attention when they are suffering, people who have PTSD also have strengths, interests, commitments, relationships with others, past experiences that were not traumatic, desires, and hopes for the future. Treatments are available for individuals with PTSD and associated trauma-related symptoms. Understanding the effects of trauma on relationships can also be an important step for family members or friends the effects of trauma. The information on this Web site is presented for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for informed medical advice or training.