The National Institute of Mental Health, a division of the National Institute of Health, defines PTSD as a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. While these are noted causes of PTSD, economic and health inequities, as well as documented violence within these neighborhoods are major indicators for this health concern in African American and Hispanic communities, especially disparaged ones.
"Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involves a group of symptoms experienced after exposure to a potentially traumatic event that may include re-experiencing the event; avoiding situations that trigger memories of the event; experiencing increased negative feelings and beliefs; and/or experiencing feelings such as irritability, agitation or anger.
