Common signs include blaming yourself for what happened to you, fear of physical touch and intimacy, and a pervasive sense of powerlessness. Sleep disturbances, over or under eating, and thoughts of suicide are also common. Emotional symptoms may include depression, anxiety, and intrusive memories or flashbacks of the trauma.

You might notice anger, sadness, and fear of intimacy and trusting others. Strong memories of the trauma can lead to flashbacks, dissociation, and problems in relationships. Shame about the relationship and how it impacted others can prevent survivors from moving forward and forming a strong sense of self.

You may struggle with hypervigilance, constant alertness, and difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Recurrent nightmares, flashbacks of combat, and an exaggerated startle response are also common, alongside feelings of detachment or numbness. Veterans can struggle with forming relationships with others who haven't experienced combat. Using substances or addictive behaviors is a common way to cope with the pain.

Symptoms can include a pervasive sense of anxiety or grief that seems to have no direct cause, as well as patterns of behavior or emotional responses that mirror those of older family members. There might also be a deep-seated feeling of disconnection or alienation from your cultural or familial roots.

Indicators often involve anxiety and anger related to religion or spirituality and difficulty separating personal identity and beliefs from religious teachings. You may also experience grief over the loss of connection with family and community and confusion over your own spiritual beliefs.