Welcome:-)
I'll let others post the links to the useful websites, but in a nutshell:

ANY trauma can cause Post-Traumatic Stress.

ANY.
TRAUMA.

A tornado. A childhood of abuse. A rape. A car accident. An abusive marriage. Exposure to violence in a war zone as a civilian. Being hurt in a war zone while a civilian. Even ER and EMS personnel and some reporters can have PTSD from the long-term exposure to death, pain, etc.

And yes, the dx of PTSD is scary and some people are ignorant and say ignorant hurtful things---but the fact is, all you need for PTSD?
is to Survive A Trauma. THat's it.

Are you in therapy or seeking it? A lot of us find that useful, along with meds, etc. It's scary, b/c you have to tell the therapists why you're there---not all the details, but even saying you're having flashbacks and nightmares and panic attacks is pretty scary, b/c it makes us feel vulnerable, and we're already feeling pretty freaking bad to start. But I know I wouldn't be here without having found a good therapist, so just wanted to ask.

Gentle healing to you,
Leo

BTW, wasn't being glib about the tornado one---survivors of major weather events or earthquakes, etc., often have post-trauma anxiety or PTSD or develop phobias.

Survived a tornado outbreak as a kid, you should see how seriously I take a weather alert. Others laugh. Me? Not so much.

Gentle wishes for healing and peace,
Leo

Yes, what Leo said. Have you been diagnosed by a therapist? That was a first step for me.

I would say don't worry about the label. Hang out and talk with us for a while and if our company makes you feel better, stick around. :) We are a friendly bunch!

yadlim

PTSD is listed as an anxiety disorder and that rides well with my own experience with it. Every life has trauma, Ari. PTS (Post Traumatic Stress) is a natural part of trauma. Why some folks are able to process the PTS and get on with life while others develop the disorder remains a mystery. Theories abound, but in fact, it remains a mystery.

I will second Yadim about not worrying the label here. I solidly believe we should leave the diagnosing to the pros and I will join the choir in encouraging you to seek professional help, but here it is not so important. None of us are pros - that I know of - and for me, the label doesn't matter much. I worry more about dealing with the symptoms and quirks of it all. I am sincerely grateful for the open sharing of personal experience that goes on here.

I don't worry too much about the label. Everything seems to have a label. =/ Hmmm I wonder why?? That's society for you. Here? It's just us. We are all rowing the same boat even tho the initial reason is different for everyone the outcome has been roughly the same. And together we deal with the emotions. I too am not a pro but I can listen =) welcome aboard!!