Symptoms Of
PTSD
What Are The Symptoms Of PTSD?
PTSD symptoms can deeply impact everyday life. Each individual’s experience with these conditions is personal and unique, meaning that while two people may face the same traumatic incident, the way they are affected can differ greatly.
Many people experience symptoms after trauma, but for most, these will lessen within a few weeks. However, if symptoms persist beyond a month and start to interfere with daily life, it could indicate PTSD. In some cases, symptoms may not appear until months or even years after the traumatic event.
The intensity of symptoms can fluctuate over time. Some people learn to manage their symptoms and go through periods where they are less noticeable, while others may experience more constant or severe symptoms.
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Though everyone’s experience is different, some common symptoms are listed below.
Symptoms
Re-experiencing
Re-experiencing the trauma is one of the most recognisable symptoms of PTSD. This involves involuntarily and vividly reliving the traumatic event.
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Flashbacks, where you feel as if the traumatic event is happening again, accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating
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Intrusive memories or nightmares about the event
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Unwanted, distressing thoughts or images
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Physical sensations, such as trembling, pain, or feeling sick, triggered by reminders of the trauma
Avoidance
Avoidance is another key symptom of PTSD. This involves actively steering clear of people, places, or situations that bring back memories of the trauma.
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Avoiding places or activities that remind you of the event
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Keeping yourself constantly busy to block out thoughts or feelings
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Using alcohol or drugs to numb the memories
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Feeling emotionally disconnected or numb
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Having difficulty recalling details of the traumatic experience
Alertness
This involves being constantly on edge, feeling easily startled, and always on the lookout for potential danger.
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Being jumpy or easily startled
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Feeling tense, alert, or “on edge” (hypervigilance)
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Difficulty focusing on daily tasks
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Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
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Panic attacks
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Irritability or frequent outbursts of anger
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Engaging in reckless or self-destructive behaviour
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Difficulty tolerating loud noises or other environmental triggers
Mood
Trauma can also affect the way you think about yourself and others.
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Difficulty remembering important details of the traumatic event
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Struggling to trust others
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Feelings of guilt or blame about the trauma
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Intense negative emotions, such as fear, sadness, anger, guilt, or shame
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Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
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Feeling like nowhere is safe
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Struggling to feel positive emotions, such as happiness or contentment
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why Are There Physical Symptoms Too?
When we experience emotional stress, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, activating the "fight, flight, or freeze" response.
In people with PTSD, the body may continue producing these hormones even when the danger has passed, leading to physical symptoms such as extreme alertness and an exaggerated startle response.
PTSD can also cause other physical effects, such as headaches, stomach issues, dizziness, chest pains, and more. These changes may also result in slower wound healing, hair loss, and skin problems.
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When Should I
Seek Help?
While it’s normal to experience distressing emotions after trauma, most people begin to feel better naturally over time. However, if you continue to struggle with symptoms for more than four weeks after the traumatic event, or if the symptoms are particularly disruptive, it’s important to seek help.
If you recognise any of the symptoms mentioned above, or feel overwhelmed by your experiences, our services are here to help you begin your journey toward recovery.
You can complete a referral on our get help page which will be assessed by a Psychologist and if suitable we will provide up to 12 weeks of free trauma-focused therapy.
You don’t have to face this alone, Blue Light Minds are here for you.