What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is a psychological condition linked to how the brain and nervous system respond to threat. It can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
PTSD reflects a survival response that has not fully switched off. The danger may be over, but the mind and body can continue to react as if it is still present.
PTSD develops when a traumatic experience is not fully processed by the brain. Instead of being stored as a past memory, elements of the experience can intrude into the present through thoughts, emotions, sensations, or behavioural reactions.
This can create a persistent sense of threat, even in situations that are objectively safe.
Causes of PTSD
PTSD can follow a wide range of experiences, including:
Serious accidents or injuries
Physical or sexual assault
Childhood abuse or neglect
Domestic violence
Military combat
Medical or surgical trauma
Sudden or traumatic bereavement
Witnessing violence or death
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. Risk can increase with repeated exposure, early-life trauma, limited support after the event, and previous traumatic experiences.
TThe Body Keeps the Score::
Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma Paperback – 24 Sept. 2015 by Bessel van der Kolk (Author)
View on Amazon →PTSD Symptoms
PTSD symptoms typically fall into four main areas. These can vary in intensity and may fluctuate over time.
Re-Experiencing
Intrusive memories or images
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Strong emotional or physical reactions to reminders
Avoidance
Avoiding thoughts or feelings linked to the trauma
Avoiding people, places, or situations associated with it
Changes in Mood and Thinking
Persistent fear, shame, guilt, or anger
Emotional numbness or detachment
Reduced interest in activities
Negative beliefs about oneself or the world
Hyperarousal
Feeling constantly on edge or unsafe
Sleep difficulties
Irritability or anger outbursts
Heightened startle response
How PTSD Affects the Nervous System
After trauma, the body may remain in a state of threat readiness, prioritising survival over rest, connection, and reflection. This can involve heightened threat detection, reduced emotional regulation, and fragmented storage of traumatic memories.
PTSD vs Normal Trauma Responses
Distress after trauma is common. Many people experience fear, anxiety, or emotional upheaval in the weeks following a traumatic experience.
PTSD is considered when:
Symptoms persist beyond one month
Distress does not reduce over time
Daily functioning, relationships, or work are significantly affected
When symptoms remain entrenched, trauma-focused therapy can help the brain process what has happened.
PTSD and Related Trauma Responses
PTSD can overlap with other trauma patterns, but these responses are distinct and may require slightly different therapeutic emphasis.
functional freeze–shutdown, numbness, or difficulty initiating action
fawning– appeasing or prioritising others to maintain safety
Complex PTSD– typically associated with prolonged or repeated trauma, especially during childhood
Understanding these patterns can make symptoms feel less confusing and can help guide the right type of support.
Waking the Tiger
Healing Trauma: The Innate Capacity to Transform Overwhelming Experiences Paperback by Peter A. Levine (Author)
View on Amazon →Treatment for PTSD
PTSD is treatable. Effective approaches focus on helping the brain and nervous system process traumatic memories in a safe, structured way.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy commonly recommended for PTSD. It supports adaptive memory processing, so traumatic memories lose their emotional intensity and sense of immediacy.
Trauma-Focused Talking Therapies
These approaches help individuals understand trauma responses, reduce avoidance, and rebuild safety, stability, and a sense of control.
Stabilisation and Regulation
Before or alongside trauma processing, therapy often focuses on grounding skills, emotional regulation, and establishing safety within the nervous system.
Treatment is individualised and paced carefully.
When to Seek Help for PTSD
Professional support may be helpful if:
Symptoms persist beyond a few weeks
You feel stuck in survival mode
Trauma is affecting relationships or daily life
You experience flashbacks, emotional numbness, or shutdown
Early intervention can reduce the long-term impact of PTSD.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD
Can PTSD develop years after trauma?
Yes. Symptoms may emerge later, particularly during periods of stress or major life change.
Is PTSD the same as anxiety?
No. While anxiety can be part of PTSD, the condition involves trauma-specific memory processing and nervous system responses.
Can PTSD resolve without therapy?
Some people improve over time, but many benefit from trauma-focused treatment to fully process the experience.
Is PTSD only caused by extreme events?
No. What matters is how the experience was perceived and processed by the nervous system, not how it appears to others.