What Is Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It affects thoughts, emotions, and daily life—and is treatable.
What Triggers PTSD?
- Direct trauma: combat, assaults, serious accidents or natural disasters.
- Witnessing trauma: seeing harm to others.
- Repeated exposure: first responders, emergency personnel, healthcare workers.
- Knowing someone close was seriously affected.
Core Symptoms
- Reexperiencing: Flashbacks, nightmares or intrusive memories that feel real.
- Avoidance: Steering clear of reminders, places or conversations linked to the trauma.
- Negative thoughts & mood: Persistent fear, guilt, shame, or loss of interest in normal activities.
- Hyperarousal: Feeling “on edge”—irritability, sleep problems, concentration issues, and being easily startled.
How PTSD Develops
After trauma, the brain’s stress response systems stay active, disrupting emotional regulation and memory processing. Normally, people recover within weeks. PTSD develops when symptoms persist for over a month and severely impact life.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- People with prior mental‑health conditions (like anxiety or depression).
- Those who experienced repeated trauma or lack of support.
- Individuals with prolonged or severe trauma exposure.
- Low social support or additional life stressors can increase likelihood.
How Is It Diagnosed?
A trained clinician evaluates symptoms using structured interviews and guidelines like ICD‑11 or DSM‑5. Diagnosis requires symptoms lasting more than a month and impacting daily life.
Treatment Options
- Trauma‑focused CBT: Helps process memories and restructure beliefs.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing): Reprocesses traumatic memories safely.
- Medication: SSRIs (e.g. sertraline, paroxetine) can reduce symptoms.
- Group therapy: Sharing experiences helps reduce isolation and stigma.
- Mind–body practices: Yoga, mindfulness and breathwork ease hyperarousal.
Supporting Someone With PTSD
- Listen empathetically without forcing disclosure.
- Encourage professional help without pushing.
- Offer practical support—accompanying to appointments, reducing stressors.
- Learn about PTSD—it’s not weakness; it's a real, treatable condition.
Real‑Life Example
After a severe car accident, Tom battled nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance for months. With trauma‑focused CBT and a peer support group, he gradually returned to driving and regained confidence in socialising.
FAQs
1. How soon after trauma can PTSD start?
Symptoms may begin within weeks, but a PTSD diagnosis requires them to last over a month. Early support can prevent escalation.
2. Is PTSD permanent?
No—many recover with the right treatment. Some people have lifelong mild symptoms, but functioning and wellbeing can improve greatly with therapy.
3. Can children get PTSD?
Yes—children often show it differently, with behavioural changes, clinginess or changes in play. They need age-appropriate support and therapy.
4. Is medication enough?
Medication helps with symptoms, but combining therapy (like CBT or EMDR) leads to the best outcomes.
5. When should I seek help?
If symptoms last over a month, disrupt life, or cause distress—speak to your GP, psychologist, or mental‑health service as soon as you can.
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Final Thought
PTSD isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a response to trauma. With understanding, therapy, support and time, most people heal and regain control. If you or someone you care about is struggling, help is available—and recovery is possible.