But PTSD can result from any number of traumatic events. These might include kidnaping, serious accidents such as car or train wrecks. Even natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, hurricanes or earthquakes. We also use PTSD when a cluster of symptoms follows violent attacks like a mugging, rape, torture or being held captive. Whatever the source of the event, people who suffer PTSD relive the trauma.
Sleep disturbances are common.
These can come in the form of nightmares that disturb sleep, or they can come as recollections when the sufferer is awake. To regain a sense of personal and psychological safety, persons who suffer from PTSD will try to detach themselves from the traumatic memories. They try to numb themselves to the tragedy. People who suffer from PTSD startle easily. They may also temporarily lose interest in things they used to like doing.