PTSD & Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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What is it?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can develop after experiencing or witnessing a deeply distressing or life-threatening event — an accident, violence, abuse, disaster, or loss. It’s the mind and body’s way of staying “on alert” after danger has passed, even when it’s no longer needed.
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and there’s no fixed timeline for when symptoms should or shouldn’t still be present. Everyone processes trauma differently.
Common signs & symptoms
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the event
- Avoidance of reminders — places, people, conversations, or activities linked to what happened
- Heightened alertness, being easily startled, difficulty sleeping, or irritability
- Negative shifts in mood or beliefs — persistent guilt, shame, detachment from others, or a sense of a foreshortened future
- Emotional numbness or difficulty feeling positive emotions
What it is not
Feeling shaken after a difficult event is a normal, expected reaction — not everyone who goes through something distressing develops PTSD. It becomes a clinical concern when symptoms persist beyond a month, are severe, and significantly disrupt daily life.
When to seek help
If distressing memories, avoidance, or heightened alertness continue for more than a few weeks after an event and are affecting daily functioning, trauma-informed therapy — such as EMDR or trauma-focused CBT — can help.
Sooner support often means an easier recovery, but it’s never “too late” to seek it.
Screening tools clinicians use
Tools such as the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist) are sometimes used as an initial screener alongside a full clinical trauma history taken by a professional.
How to get help
This page is for general awareness and is not a diagnostic tool. Only a qualified professional can diagnose PTSD. This platform does not provide emergency or diagnostic services — see our full Disclaimer.