Knowledge Library

Trauma & PTSD

Learn about reactions to traumatic experiences, PTSD, persistent stress responses and pathways to professional support.

Understanding This

People can experience many emotional and physical reactions after a traumatic event. Fear, sadness, anger, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating and repeatedly thinking about what happened can occur after trauma. Many people gradually recover. PTSD may be diagnosed when symptoms continue and significantly interfere with daily life.

What Someone May Experience

Unwanted memories, dreams or reminders of the event

Avoiding reminders of what happened

Feeling constantly on guard or easily startled

Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

Irritability or anger

Feeling detached, numb or disconnected

Persistent fear, guilt or shame

Changes in relationships, work or everyday routines

What May Help

Working with a professional experienced in trauma and PTSD

Trauma-focused psychotherapy

Medication when clinically appropriate

Safe social and family support

Addressing ongoing unsafe or traumatic circumstances

Support for co-occurring depression, anxiety or substance use

When to Reach Out

Professional support may be useful when trauma reactions are not improving, are getting worse or are interfering with sleep, work, relationships or normal activities.

Immediate Support

If trauma is connected to immediate danger, suicidal thoughts or an acute mental-health crisis, use the Help Right Now section.

Open SAGE Help Right Now →

Related SAGE Resources

Trusted Sources

These are the organizations SAGE used to build and verify this information. They are shown for transparency. SAGE does not send you away from this page automatically.

National Institute of Mental Health — PTSD


                        https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

NIMH — Coping With Traumatic Events


                        https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events

Information checked: 2026-09-28