For many victims of Hurricane Harvey, storms can spark painful memories that lead to anxiety and depression.
Many social media users are calling it "Harvey PTSD."
Although Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is often attributed the military, Licensed Professional Counselor Bill Prasad says Harvey PTSD is real.
“The estimate is about five percent of people who go through a natural disaster could develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” Prasad explained.
Harvey did give many Houstonians a new perspective on nature, including KHOU’s assignment manager and flood victim, Bill Bishop.
On Wednesday, before the storms hit, Bishop tweeted, “What I know is, I’ll never look at rain the same way again.”
“That’s a pretty normal response considering what we’ve gone through,” said Prasad.
PTSD symptoms include nightmares, insomnia or flashbacks. Also, anxiety, depression and loss of interest in activities or people.
“If you are having symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder at this point, about seven months after the storm, you should definitely get in front of a therapist,” Prasad advised.
The good news in PTSD is a highly treatable disorder under proper care.