PTSD: Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Anxiety Disorders We Support
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Experiences that may be associated with trauma include accidents, assault, abuse, medical emergencies and other events involving serious threat. PTSD is not a sign of weakness. Assessment and support from a qualified professional can help people understand their symptoms and consider next steps.
What is PTSD?
PTSD occurs when the brain's threat-processing system becomes stuck following a traumatic event. Normally, after a frightening experience, the brain processes the memory during sleep and stores it as a past event — something that happened, but is not happening now. In PTSD, this processing breaks down. The traumatic memory is stored in a fragmented, sensory form and remains neurologically 'present' — meaning the brain continues to respond to reminders of the trauma as though the danger is ongoing.
The amygdala — the brain's alarm centre — remains in a state of hypervigilance, scanning continuously for threats related to the original trauma. This produces the classic PTSD symptom cluster: intrusive memories and flashbacks; nightmares; hyperarousal; emotional numbness; and avoidance of anything that triggers reminders of the event.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms fall into four main clusters. Re-experiencing symptoms include flashbacks in which the person relives the trauma with full sensory vividness; nightmares; and intrusive thoughts or images that arrive without warning. Avoidance symptoms include deliberately avoiding people, places, thoughts, or conversations that serve as reminders of the trauma.
Hyperarousal symptoms include persistent anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, being easily startled, and sleep disturbance. Negative cognitions and mood include persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or blame; distorted beliefs about the world ('nowhere is safe'; 'I am permanently damaged'); emotional numbing; and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. The likelihood is affected by the nature, duration, and severity of the trauma; the availability of social support immediately afterward; pre-existing vulnerability; and the degree to which the person felt helpless or terrified during the event.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is associated with prolonged or repeated trauma, particularly where escape was difficult. In addition to PTSD symptoms, people may experience difficulties with emotional regulation, a persistently negative self-concept, or relationships. A qualified mental health professional can help assess these experiences and discuss appropriate, sensitive support.
Trauma and Life Circumstances
Trauma can occur in any setting and can affect people regardless of their background or previous resilience. Being far from familiar support networks or navigating a new environment may make it harder for some people to seek help, while others may have different barriers. A healthcare professional can help identify locally available support and discuss remote options where suitable.
Recovering from PTSD
PTSD support should be based on an individual assessment and provided by an appropriately qualified professional. Psychological treatments for PTSD are available, and a clinician can explain options, potential benefits and possible challenges. The approach and pace should be discussed collaboratively; experiences and outcomes differ from person to person.
