Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition caused by a trauma. The trauma can be a one-time thing (such as being victim of a crime) or long-term (such as living in a war zone or through a natural disaster). No one knows why some people bounce back after a trauma while others develop PTSD or why some people experience PTSD symptoms within weeks of the trauma and others may only start having symptoms years later.
Patients treated for sepsis in an ICU undergo several traumas. They have a serious illness, potentially bringing them to the brink of dying. Their body is subjected to numerous medical interventions. They are often in severe pain, and they feel scared and helpless. Add to this being in the busy ICU environment 24 hours a day, and the situation is primed for a psychological reaction like PTSD.
Some of the symptoms of PTSD include:
The symptoms may come and go, or they may linger.
When a loved one is critically ill, family members often feel helpless. They may relive events, wondering if they could have done something different, even once the emergency is over. They may feel guilt over past issues or fear for the future. Their experience is very different from that of the patient, but they, too, have gone through a stressful time and this may go unrecognized, and may lead to depression or anxiety.
Recognizing the problem is the first step towards helping sepsis survivors and their loved ones to deal with lasting psychological issues. People who experience signs of PTSD, depression, or anxiety should acknowledge this and seek help from their doctor or qualified mental healthcare practitioner. These conditions can often be successfully managed through a combination of self-care, counseling or medications.
PTSD can be part of post-sepsis syndrome, or PSS. Learn more here.
To learn more about PTSD and sepsis, read:
This PTSD Awareness Day, Remember the Caregivers
Would you like to share your story about sepsis or read about others who have had sepsis? Please visit Faces of Sepsis, where you will find hundreds of stories from survivors and tributes to those who died from sepsis.
The American Psychiatric Association has more information about PTSD.
If you suspect sepsis, call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital and tell your medical professional, “I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SEPSIS.”
Would you like to share your story about sepsis or read about others who have had sepsis? Please visit Faces of Sepsis, where you will find hundreds of stories from survivors and tributes to those who died from sepsis.
Suggested Citation: Sepsis Alliance. Sepsis and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 2023. https://www.sepsis.org/sepsisand/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/
Updated May 30, 2023.
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I got sepsis 5 days after I had surgery for breast implants rushed to hospital. (Sepsis and Surgery) Two weeks in medical coma, 4 weeks ICU, 3 weeks in-house rehab. I had 15 amputations I lost 10 toes, 3 fingers and my breasts. (Sepsis and Amputations) I died in my coma they brought me back chronic pain severe PTSD, anxiety, fibromyasia, neuropothy, and damaged organs kidney, dialysis ( while in coma), 2 blood transfusions, no longer organ donor, no giving blood. I’m on 15 medications daily. My life day to day is a struggle, and I have all the physical and ... Read Full Story
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In 2013 I was diagnosed with gastroparesis (my stomach is partially paralyzed and I cannot eat like most people). I had to have a feeding tube to help me receive my nutrition, in 2016 my body declined the feeding tube and I was placed on TPN ( total parental nutrition) my nutrition went through my veins by a Tunneled Hickman ( A central line that was placed in my chest). (Sepsis and Invasive Devices) 2016 began my journey with sepsis every 3-4, months I would be placed in the hospital for a week or more. Some of the stays I ... Read Full Story
Submit Your StoryView More StoriesPost-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition caused by a trauma. The trauma can be a one-time thing (such as being victim of a crime) or long-term (such as living in a war zone or through a natural disaster). No one knows why some people bounce back after a trauma while others develop PTSD or why some people experience PTSD symptoms within weeks of the trauma and others may only start having symptoms years later.
