How can you tell if you have PTSD?

I could not tell, even after much insomnia, teeth grinding, reactions or over reactions to stress and finally anxiety attack that sent me to the hospital then the VA. I thought the whole thing was in my head and I just needed to control my thoughts. Bottom line, I was not willing to see the obvious and I think that is common.

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Having dealt with PTSD a leader (with both First Responders on post and in Combat), and personally, and having an educational background in clinical/counseling psychology, I would say "never think you can decide for yourself." If you think you have signs or symptoms, you need to seek help from a provider that understands PTSD.

PTSD is also not just a military issue. First Responders deal with this a lot, as to many others - car accidents, assaults etc. My wife dealt with it after being run off the highway by a truck and totaling a car. She still deals with it every time she drives. PTSD is a very real issue, and we often (as a country) trivialize mental health issues as people who are just weak.

I don't consider myself mentally or physical weak, but there were (less now) certain things that triggered very bad memories for me, that I needed some help with. For me, talking about them was the key. This is not something most can easily do with anyone.. For me, these were not things I could not/would not share with my wife, despite her caring and trying; it is just not easy to do for me... for most I would say.

The military and the VA are very good at determining if you have signs or symptoms. If you are not happy with what they say (as the VA often is trying not to service connect and compensate for issues), you need to seek a competent civilian side provider.

No matter what path you choose, you need to seek assistance, as it there waiting for you.

I can't tell, you need to have a wife, family member to remind you of how you are acting. My wife/caregiver always keeps me on point!