what is PTSD

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can affect anyone — not just veterans or first responders. PTSD can disrupt daily life with flashbacks, emotional numbness, or constant hypervigilance, and often coexists with anxiety, depression, or substance use.
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Common Signs of PTSD

Flashbacks

Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event

1

Avoidance

Avoiding places, people, or situations that are reminders

2

Hypervigilance

Heightened startle response or hypervigilance

3

Nightmares

Nightmares or severe sleep disturbances

4

Dissociation

Emotional numbness or detachment from others

5

Volatility

Anger, irritability, or sudden mood shifts

6
Emotional toll of PTSD

How does PTSD Affect Friends and Family Emotionally?

Supporting someone with PTSD can be confusing and emotionally overwhelming. You may feel helpless watching them relive their trauma or shut down emotionally. It can strain relationships, create distance, and leave loved ones unsure how to help — especially when the trauma isn’t fully understood or openly discussed.
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How to React When Someone is Struggling with PTSD?

Create a safe, nonjudgmental space for them to talk — or to not talk. Avoid pushing them to 'move on' or minimize their symptoms. Encourage professional therapy and trauma-informed care, and learn how to recognize triggers. Equally important, find emotional support for yourself — PTSD affects the whole support system.
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how to react to PTSD
what is covocis community?

What is CoVocis Community?

The CoVocis Community is a network of people, just like you, navigating the challenges of caring for someone facing PTSD. On CoVocis, members share their experiences and receive support from others who truly understand the impact of PTSD on families and relationships.
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HOW IT WORKS
Share Your Experiences
Share what you're going through as your loved one deals with PTSD. Post updates, write anonymously, or speak to others going through similar struggles.
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Once you share your story, others supporting someone with PTSD will reach out to help. Get insights, encouragement, and suggestions from people who get it.
PERSONAL STORIES
Ceri
"After my husband returned from deployment, he was never quite the same. Nightmares, mood swings, and a constant sense of distance — I felt like I’d lost the man I married. CoVocis connected me with other spouses who understood what living with PTSD in the family really means. Their stories gave me perspective, strength, and the hope that healing is possible for both of us."
Amir
"My daughter went through a traumatic event, and watching her withdraw from life broke my heart. I didn’t know how to reach her without making things worse. On CoVocis, I found other parents who had faced the same fears. They shared practical ways to support her while also reminding me to care for myself. I finally feel less alone in this journey."
Karen
"One of my closest friends survived a traumatic experience, but PTSD made it hard for her to trust anyone — even me. I felt helpless and afraid of saying the wrong thing. CoVocis introduced me to others who had been there too, giving me guidance, patience, and the reassurance that I could still be a steady source of support in her life."