What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event or ongoing traumatic events.

It’s only human to have intense reactions to traumatic incidents that threaten us or others – like death, a car accident, domestic violence, serious injury, or sexual abuse. Everyone responds differently to these shocking and overwhelming events, and some people can develop PTSD.

Research shows about 20% of people who are exposed to traumatic events develop PTSD, and about 12% of people living in Australia will experience PTSD in their lifetime.

We discuss some of the signs and symptoms of PTSD here, as well as where you can get help if you’re struggling.

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

It’s important to remember that everyone responds differently to traumatic or unpleasant life events.

Someone with PTSD may encounter some or none of these symptoms, and experiencing one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have PTSD.

While everyone’s experience is different, these are some of the common symptoms of PTSD:

• Flashbacks (reliving the traumatic event as if it was happening again)
• Intrusive thoughts/memories of the traumatic event
• Dreams/nightmares about the traumatic event
• Distress response to things that remind them of the traumatic event
• Avoiding talking or thinking about the traumatic event
• Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
• Negative thoughts about themselves, others, or the world
• Hopelessness about the future
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships
• Feeling detached from family and friends
• Lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
• Emotional numbness
• Feeling ‘jumpy’ or on guard for danger
• Being easily startled or frightened
• Self-destructive behaviours (e.g. drug and alcohol abuse or reckless driving)
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behaviour
• Overwhelming guilt or shame.

Help for PTSD

If you or someone you know is living with PTSD, help is available. You can call us on 1300 364 277 to speak to a counsellor or get help finding the right service for you.