PTSD is something you may have heard on TV or read about that can occur following the experience or witnessing of life-threatening events such as war, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or rape.  It also happens to victims of Domestic Violence. The abuse need not be physical for PTSD to occur People who suffer from PTSD often relive the experience. Flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, and feeling detached or estranged can be severe enough and last long enough to significantly impair the person's daily life.

The National Center for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, states "PTSD is marked by clear biological changes as well as psychological symptoms. PTSD is complicated by the fact that it frequently occurs in conjunction with related disorders such as depression, substance abuse, problems of memory and cognition, and other problems of physical and mental health. The disorder is also associated with impairment of the person's ability to function in social or family life, including occupational instability, marital problems and divorces, family discord, and difficulties in parenting."

If I looked at the clock and saw it was time for my abuser to get home I would suddenly feel a sinking fear.  This reaction lasted long after I was out of the marriage.  Even all these years later if a clock reads 5 PM it still brings up memories but the fear no longer grips me.  When driving home from work I would get heart palpitations in anticipation of a possible conflict. 

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