If You Have These Jobs, You're More at Risk for PTSD

Trauma and stress may lead to PTSD. These are the professions where it’s most likely to happen.

Most people think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as something that only affects soldiers. But the truth is, anyone who goes through something scary, shocking or overwhelming can develop PTSD. That includes people in certain jobs where trauma and extreme stress can be part of the work.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can show up after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It doesn’t always happen right away, and it’s not a sign of weakness. It can affect your sleep, mood and ability to do daily tasks. Some people also feel jumpy, have flashbacks or try to avoid things that remind them of the event.

While PTSD can affect anyone, people in high-stress, high-risk jobs are more likely to deal with it. Here are some of the jobs where PTSD is more common:

Military service members – Those who serve in the military often go through highly stressful situations, especially in combat zones. They may witness violence, lose fellow soldiers or fear for their lives. Even if they’re not in active battle, long deployments and time away from family can be tough mentally. Veterans often face PTSD after returning home. In fact, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says as many as 20 out of every 100 veterans from recent wars have PTSD.

First responders – Firefighters, paramedics and police officers are usually the first on the scene after an accident, natural disaster or crime. They see things most people never do, from house fires to serious injuries to death. Over time, all of this can take a toll. Even when the shift ends, the memories don’t always go away. Many first responders carry the weight of the things they’ve seen, and that can lead to nightmares, anxiety and trouble coping.

Healthcare workers – Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers may not be in war zones, but they face trauma in different ways. They work long hours, deal with emergencies and often care for patients who are seriously ill or dying. It’s not just what they see, but also the pressure to save lives, support families and keep going even when they’re exhausted that takes a toll. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare workers reported PTSD symptoms.

Social workers and therapists – People in mental health and social work roles often hear about traumatic events from others. While they may not experience the trauma firsthand, hearing these stories day after day can lead to something called secondary traumatic stress, which feels a lot like PTSD. Helping others heal is meaningful, but it can also be emotionally draining. Without support, this can build up over time.

Journalists and disaster relief workers – War reporters, crime journalists and disaster aid workers often put themselves in dangerous situations to share stories or help others. They might see violence, destruction or extreme suffering. That kind of repeated exposure can lead to trauma symptoms, even if they think they’re just doing their jobs.

If your job puts you in high-stress or high-trauma situations, it’s important to take care of your mental health. PTSD isn’t something you can just push through, but healing is possible. Talking to a therapist, joining a support group or even just checking in with a trusted friend can help. Many workplaces also offer programs or counseling for employees dealing with stress and symptoms of PTSD.

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^{Date Last Reviewed: April 18, 2025}

^{Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor}

^{Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD}