An extremely painful or stressful event can trigger symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition in which a person may re-live an extremely painful or traumatic experience. People of any age may have flashbacks, painful memories, or nightmares about the event that frightened them.
These episodes may occur months or years after the event, the U.S. National Mental Health Association says. Other symptoms of PTSD may include depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, lack of emotion, irritability, and anger.
Triggers for PTSD may include abuse, rape, military combat, natural or manmade disasters and accidents.
Many people with PTSD have episodes when they have been reminded of or exposed to a person or object from the traumatic event. Episodes may be more likely to occur around the event’s anniversary.