AROUSAL SYMPTOMS
So the first cluster is re-experiencing symptoms. The second cluster are the avoidant numbing symptoms. And the third are the arousal symptoms. People with PTSD can't sleep; they can't think; they can't concentrate because this traumatic material is in their minds. They may be irritable, even aggressive. They have the startle reflex to unexpected noises And they're hyper-vigilant; they're on guard all the time. They have security locks on their doors. They don't want another traumatic episode to sneak up on them by surprise.
All three of the symptom clusters that we have discussed must persist for more than one month from the traumatic event to be considered PTSD. It can and often will cause severe impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
As with any issue that can affect your mental health, you should always talk to a professional at the first onset of any change in you mental state, and listen to your friends and family. They are often the first to notice changes in you, even before you do.
So the first cluster is re-experiencing symptoms. The second cluster are the avoidant numbing symptoms. And the third are the arousal symptoms. People with PTSD can't sleep; they can't think; they can't concentrate because this traumatic material is in their minds. They may be irritable, even aggressive. They have the startle reflex to unexpected noises And they're hyper-vigilant; they're on guard all the time. They have security locks on their doors. They don't want another traumatic episode to sneak up on them by surprise.
All three of the symptom clusters that we have discussed must persist for more than one month from the traumatic event to be considered PTSD. It can and often will cause severe impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
As with any issue that can affect your mental health, you should always talk to a professional at the first onset of any change in you mental state, and listen to your friends and family. They are often the first to notice changes in you, even before you do. 
