How PTSD Affects Your Mind and Body Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person has been exposed to a traumatic event. These events can range from military combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, car accidents, or any situation that causes intense fear, helplessness, or horror. PTSD is often associated with psychological symptoms, but it can also have a profound impact on the body. In this article, we will explore how PTSD affects both the mind and the body, and how these effects can persist long after the traumatic event.