Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD affects about 7.7 million American adults,it can occur at any age, including childhood. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, and there is some evidence that susceptibility to the disorder may run in families.PTSD is often accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or one or more of the other anxiety disorders. Certain kinds of medication and certain kinds of psychotherapy usually treat the symptoms of PTSD very effectively. Many people with anxiety disorders benefit from joining a self-help or support group and sharing their problems and achievements with others. Talking with a trusted friend or member of the clergy can also provide support, but it is not a substitute for care from a mental health professional. Stress management techniques and meditation can help people with anxiety disorders calm themselves and may enhance the effects of therapy. There is preliminary evidence that aerobic exercise may have a calming effect. Since caffeine, certain illicit drugs, and even some over-the-counter cold medications can aggravate the symptoms of anxiety disorders, they should be avoided. Check with your physician or pharmacist before taking any additional medications. The family is very important in the recovery of a person with an anxiety disorder. Ideally, the family should be supportive but not help perpetuate their loved one's symptoms. Family members should not trivialize the disorder or demand improvement without treatment. If your family is doing either of these things, you may want to show them some literature so they can become educated allies and help you succeed in therapy. For More Information on Anxiety Disorders & PTSD Visit the National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus (www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus). For Information on Clinical Trials for Anxiety Disorders NIMH Clinical Trials Web page National Library of Medicine Clinical Trials Database Information from NIMH is available in multiple formats. You can browse online, download documents in PDF, and order paper brochures through the mail. If you would like to have NIMH publications, you can order them online at www.nimh.nih.gov. For Further Information National Institute of Mental Health Public Inquiries & Dissemination Branch 6001 Executive Boulevard Room 8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 Phone: 301-443-4513 or 1-866-615-NIMH (6464) toll-free TTY: 301-443-8431 TTY: 866-415-8051 FAX: 301-443-4279 E-mail: nimhinfo@nih.gov Web site: http://www.nimh.nih.gov Best of luck to you!

Google EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and check it out on Wikipedia. If you have any interest contact EMDRIA..the International Association for a trained and licensed practitioner near you. They are usually doctors or psychologists. Call and ask for a consultation to see if it is for you... Good luck!

Individual and Group thereapy. You are not alone there are others out there that you can relate to that may be able to offer you some good relief methods that they have found.

these are all grest suggestions. if they dont solve your problem...go see a doctor or psychologist. it might be as simple as a chemical imbalance like potassium deficiency. it usually is quite simple to solve most of these situations and you will be so much more happy. and if its a little more serious, then everyone will be ready and happy to help you. and you will begin to be happy and well.

I suffer with PTSD, and I think the best way to deal with it is to be honest with yourself. Find out what triggers a bad memory.. make a list of things you can do to help you when you are dealing with a resulting panic attack or stressful situation. I find that things that help most people with normal stress also help with panic attacks. Deep breathing, exercising, talking with friends, going shopping, taking a nap, reading... But most importantly be honest with yourself and admit to yourself, "I am having a hard time right now" and just reflect on why, and learn how to get yourself out of that particular moment, or trigger, or flashback. There are a lot of good handbooks to understanding and dealing with PTSD if you don't wish to go to a therapist. Anything that deals with anxiety also helps. MOST importantly, make sure that you have a good and understanding network of supportive people who can help you through the hard times. I find that the more time that goes by, the better my PTSD gets, but I still have really bad days. I used to not understand why I was having a bad day, but when I started being honest with myself and recognizing the signs of the moment before it completely and totally overwhelmed me, then I was able to deal with it much better. I know that answer is kind of all over the place, but this has really helped me a lot!