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Traumatic Event. A traumatic event is a shocking, scary, or life-threatening experience that can affect someone emotionally and physically. Experiences like pandemics, natural disasters, acts of violence, as well as car crashes and other accidents can all be traumatic. We are therefore investigating the factors that may help people cope with these events or increase their risk for physical or mental health problems following a traumatic event. For more information please visit: NIMH: Traumatic Events

Post-Traumatic Stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or life-threatening event. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Most people recover from these initial symptoms naturally, but those who continue to experience persistent symptoms may be diagnosed with PTSD. For more information please visit: NIMH: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Major Depression. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental disorders, afflicting one in five women and one in ten men at least once during their lifetime. MDD is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and its symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships. While the cause of MDD is in many cases unknown, for many individuals the disorder develops during periods of excessive or chronic exposure to stress. For more information please visit: NIMH: Major Depression

Anxiety Disorders. Occasional anxiety is an expected part of life. You might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For a person with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, school work, and relationships. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and various phobia-related disorders. For more information please visit: NIMH: Anxiety Disorders