Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after any event that felt life-threatening or deeply distressing. It’s not a sign of weakness, and effective treatments exist, even years after the event.
Imagine surviving a car crash months ago. You’re physically healed, but you can’t drive past the junction, wake from nightmares and jump at every horn. You assumed it would fade, but it hasn’t. After a course of trauma-focused therapy, you’re driving again and sleeping through the night.
Common symptoms
- Re-living: flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive images, physical reactions to reminders
- Avoidance: avoiding places, people or conversations linked to the event, or feeling numb
- Feeling on edge: being easily startled, irritable, struggling to sleep or concentrate
- Negative thoughts: guilt, shame, blame, and feeling cut off from others
Symptoms usually start within a month but can appear much later. Strong reactions in the first few weeks are common and often settle. If they last longer than a month or are severe, seek help.
Treatments that work
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps you process the memory and change unhelpful beliefs
- Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), recommended by the WHO for PTSD
- Medicines such as certain antidepressants, sometimes alongside therapy
But how can I support someone with PTSD?
- Listen without pushing them to share details
- Learn their triggers and help reduce surprises
- Encourage professional help and offer practical support to get there
- Look after yourself too; supporting someone can be draining
Healthcare workers, emergency responders and military personnel face higher risk because of repeated exposure to trauma. Many employers offer confidential support. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, contact emergency services or a crisis line immediately.
Your next step: If symptoms have lasted more than a month, book an appointment with your doctor or a mental health service and ask about trauma-focused therapy.
Sources: World Health Organization (Post-traumatic stress disorder), NICE (Post-traumatic stress disorder guideline), US National Institute of Mental Health, Mind.
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