Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing an actual or perceived life-threatening event. During such an event, people feel intense fear and loss of control over what's happening.
It's normal to have disturbing memories, thoughts, intense emotions and reactions, and/or trouble sleeping after a traumatic event (also called "trauma"). Shortly after the event, it can be difficult for people to resume their daily activities and interactions with others in the same way they did before. Many people will begin to feel more like themselves after a number of weeks whereas others may continue to have difficulty long after and develop PTSD symptoms. It is also possible that some people may not develop PTSD symptoms for years or they may come and go.