PTSD is a psychiatric condition that is triggered by a terrifying event. The person either is witness to the event, or actually experiences the event. If left untreated, symptoms may worsen over time and last for months to years after the trauma. When the symptoms begin to interfere with daily functioning it is time to seek help. Symptoms include, nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive recollections of the event, emotional or physical reaction to something that reminds you of the event, avoidance of places, activities or people that remind you of the event, negative changes in thinking and mood, changes in emotional reactions such as irritability, anger/aggression, trouble sleeping, being startled easily, self destructive behavior including drugs/alcohol or reckless driving, always feeling on guard watching for further danger.