Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after a frightening or distressing event. Effective, evidence-based treatments are available.
Trauma symptoms can persist for months or years, but they respond well to structured therapy. Recovery is realistic with the right support.
What is PTSD?
PTSD may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as an accident, assault, disaster, or bereavement. It involves reliving the event, avoidance of reminders, heightened alertness, and changes in mood and thinking.
When to seek help for PTSD
Recognising the signs and knowing when support can help
If distressing memories, nightmares, or heightened anxiety persist for more than a month after a traumatic event, or if you are avoiding reminders and it is affecting daily life, seek assessment.
Symptoms and related concerns
Intrusive Memories
Unwanted recollections, vivid flashbacks, or nightmares in which the traumatic event feels as if it is happening again.
Avoidance
Avoiding places, people, conversations, or activities that serve as reminders of what happened, which narrows daily life.
Hyperarousal
Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, irritable, and unable to relax or sleep properly.
Negative Mood and Thinking
Persistent guilt, shame, or blame, loss of interest in activities, and feeling detached from others.
Acute Stress Reaction
Intense symptoms in the days and weeks immediately after a traumatic event, which may settle or develop into PTSD.
Associated Depression and Substance Use
Low mood or use of alcohol and drugs to cope with symptoms, which are assessed and treated alongside the trauma.
