People with PTSD can have different symptoms that vary in intensity. Symptoms may change depending on the circumstances that serve as reminders of the traumatic experience. These symptoms are not always detectable to others; therefore, it is even more important to seek the right help and not go through this alone.
Certain reactions to an overwhelming experience are natural and to be expected. With PTSD, however, those reactions persist and may eventually interfere with your sense of self and impair your ability to function in school, the workplace or social settings.
Without treatment, the symptoms of PTSD can grow worse and lead to increasingly negative feelings and social isolation. PTSD can also increase your risk for developing major depression, other anxiety disorders, substance abuse problems, or suicidal thoughts.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health – they rely on each other. You wouldn’t leave a physical wound that will not close and heal unattended and Steven feels it is important to treat your mental health in the same way.