What is PTSD? PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder. It can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed something frightening, overwhelming or life-threatening.
Our minds and bodies have a remarkable ability to respond to danger. After a traumatic experience, it is quite normal to feel shaken, anxious, on edge, have difficulty sleeping, or find yourself thinking about what happened. For some people, however, these reactions continue long after the danger has passed and begin to interfere with everyday life. This is when post-traumatic stress disorder may develop.
PTSD can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. It can happen after a single traumatic event or following repeated or prolonged trauma.
Some professions can involve greater exposure to traumatic events. Police, ambulance officers, firefighters, members of the armed forces and some health professionals may regularly witness serious accidents, injury, death or other distressing situations. However, PTSD is certainly not limited to these professions.
Trauma can happen to anyone.
PTSD may develop after experiences such as:
It is important to remember that two people can experience the same event and respond very differently. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and having a strong reaction does not mean that someone is weak.
What can PTSD feel like?
PTSD can affect both the mind and the body. A person may experience unwanted memories, nightmares or flashbacks, as though the event is happening again. They may avoid places, people or conversations that remind them of what happened.
They may also feel constantly on guard, easily startled, irritable or anxious. Sleep can become difficult, concentration may suffer, and some people feel emotionally numb or disconnected from themselves and others.
Sometimes people don't realise that what they are experiencing may be connected to an earlier traumatic event. They may simply feel that something has changed and that they are no longer quite themselves.
Healing after trauma
There is help available for PTSD, and people can recover. Finding the right support can make a real difference. Different approaches work for different people, so if one form of treatment doesn't feel right or hasn't helped, it doesn't necessarily mean that nothing will.
Support might include talking with a suitably qualified mental health professional, learning ways to calm the nervous system, developing a greater understanding of trauma, and gradually rebuilding a sense of safety.
You don't have to wait until things become overwhelming before reaching out for support.
Helping someone you care about
If someone you love is experiencing PTSD, your patience and understanding can be valuable.
Sometimes simply having someone who is willing to listen, without judgement, can be an important part of feeling safe again.
If you or someone you care about is struggling after a traumatic experience, professional support can help.
Further information and support
For current Australian information about PTSD and available support, see trusted mental health and government resources such as Healthdirect, Beyond Blue and the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs.
If you would like some support exploring your emotions, relationships or the challenges you are experiencing, counselling can provide a safe and supportive space to slow down, gain perspective and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
