Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) does not only result from traumatic events in combat, but can also affect service members and civilians who experience natural disasters.  Events like Hurricane Katrina, the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan and the recent tornadoes that tore through the southern region of the United States can be traumatic and cause emotional and mental stress which may develop into PTSD.

Knowledge gained through extensive study of PTSD in military populations has provided great insight into PTSD in the civilian population as a result of natural disasters.  Many people who experience traumatic events have symptoms of mental distress and may be at risk to develop PTSD.  Psychological responses to trauma often include anger, fear, sleep problems, grief, social isolation or paranoia.  However, rapid recovery is normal in most cases.

The Department of Defense provides resources to help survivors of natural disasters heal.  For more information about traumatic stress and disaster preparedness visit the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury and the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.