[PTSD] is a normal response to an abnormal situation.

We sometimes think about it as a normal reaction

to an abnormal experience.

So if you think of experiencing trauma,

that would be the abnormal experience.

And then the normal reaction to that would be

having some problems with re-experiencing that trauma,

so some nightmares, some thoughts you don't want to have,

maybe linked to some physical reactions,

so being really startled, having trouble sleeping,

maybe feeling more irritable.

And then coupled with that, it doesn't feel good,

and so a lot of people find themselves avoiding.

So you might find yourself avoiding things,

people, places, thoughts that might remind you

of that abnormal, that traumatic experience.