What Is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Traumatic events are those that are shocking, frightening, or very distressing — situations where you or someone you care about was in serious danger.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is the mind's attempt to make sense of a terrifying experience, and it can happen to anyone. It is also very treatable.
What Kinds of Events Can Cause PTSD?
Any event that feels deeply threatening or overwhelming can potentially lead to PTSD. Common causes include:
- Military combat or war
- Serious road accidents
- Violent personal assault (such as sexual assault or robbery)
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Natural disasters
- Being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness
- Witnessing violent death or injury
- Sudden loss of a loved one
- Medical emergencies
Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event develops PTSD. Whether PTSD develops depends on many factors, including the nature of the trauma, available support, personal history, and biology.
Symptoms of PTSD
Symptoms typically begin within three months of the traumatic event, though sometimes they emerge later. For a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must last more than a month and significantly affect functioning. Symptoms fall into four categories:
Re-experiencing the trauma
- Flashbacks — reliving the event as if it is happening again
- Nightmares or disturbing dreams about the trauma
- Intense emotional or physical reactions when reminded of the event (e.g., a sound, smell, or image)
Avoidance
- Avoiding thoughts, feelings, places, people, or activities that are reminders of the trauma
- Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Negative changes in thinking and mood
- Persistent negative beliefs about yourself or others ("I'm bad," "No one can be trusted")
- Distorted blame of yourself for the trauma
- Persistent feelings of fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame
- Feeling estranged from others
- Inability to experience positive emotions (sometimes called emotional numbing)
Hyperarousal (being "on edge")
- Being easily startled
- Feeling constantly on alert for danger
- Sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reckless or self-destructive behaviour
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Complex PTSD can develop when someone has experienced repeated trauma over a long period — such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or prolonged torture. In addition to the above symptoms, C-PTSD often involves:
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Negative self-perception and deep shame
- Difficulties in relationships
- Feeling permanently different or damaged
C-PTSD is recognised as a distinct condition, and treatment may need to be longer and more specialist.
How PTSD Is Treated
PTSD is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Effective treatments include:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
This is the most widely recommended therapy for PTSD. Working with a trained therapist, you gradually process traumatic memories and challenge distorted thoughts and beliefs.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
EMDR involves recalling traumatic memories while performing bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements). Research consistently shows it reduces PTSD symptoms, often in fewer sessions than talk therapy alone.
Medication
Certain antidepressants (especially SSRIs like sertraline and paroxetine) are used to reduce PTSD symptoms. They may be used alongside therapy or when therapy is not accessible.
Peer support
Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can help reduce isolation and shame. Support groups are available for many specific types of trauma.
What Does Not Help
- Substance use — many people with PTSD turn to alcohol or drugs to numb the pain. This can temporarily reduce symptoms but makes recovery harder and leads to additional problems.
- Total avoidance — while avoidance reduces short-term distress, it prevents the brain from processing the trauma and keeps PTSD in place.
How to Support Someone With PTSD
- Listen without judgement and believe them
- Do not pressure them to talk about the trauma before they are ready
- Learn about PTSD so you understand what they are experiencing
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Take care of your own wellbeing — supporting someone with PTSD is difficult
Getting Help
PTSD responds well to treatment, and recovery is possible. If you think you or someone you know may have PTSD, speak to a doctor or mental health professional. You can also contact Seeds of New Beginnings — our counsellors are experienced in trauma-focused care.
If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.