Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma can take many forms, including abuse, accidents, violence, loss, or life-threatening situations. PTSD affects how the brain processes memories and emotions, often making everyday life challenging.

Living with PTSD can involve persistent distress and difficulty feeling safe. People may experience intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event, often triggered by reminders in their environment. Nightmares, emotional numbness, heightened vigilance, and avoidance of triggers are also common. These experiences can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and wellbeing.

The emotional and physical responses associated with PTSD can be intense. You might notice a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, muscle tension, feeling hot or flushed, or a sense of being on constant alert. These bodily sensations are part of the body’s natural stress response, which becomes heightened in PTSD. Emotionally, people often feel anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed.

PTSD can affect self-esteem and relationships. The avoidance of reminders can limit social interactions, and hypervigilance can make relaxation difficult. People living with PTSD may feel isolated, misunderstood, or disconnected from themselves and others.

Therapy plays a vital role in recovery. Approaches such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and narrative therapy are highly effective in helping individuals process trauma, reduce distress, and regain a sense of safety. Therapy offers a safe space to explore the impact of trauma, learn coping strategies, and develop resilience.

Recovery from PTSD is a gradual process. It involves learning to manage triggers, reconnecting with a sense of safety, and restoring wellbeing. With support, individuals can regain control over their lives and find ways to live meaningfully beyond trauma.