Have you ever felt trapped by intrusive thoughts, overwhelming anxiety, or a deep emotional numbness? If you or a loved one are struggling with these feelings, you’re not alone.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop when witnessing or experiencing something traumatic. It affects millions of people worldwide, often without them realizing it.
Do any of these sound familiar?
Flashbacks that feel like reliving a traumatic event
Disturbing nightmares or trouble sleeping
Feeling disconnected from loved ones
Avoiding people, places, or conversations that remind you of trauma
Constantly feeling on edge, irritable, or easily startled
Trouble concentrating or staying focused at work
Overwhelming guilt, shame, or negative thoughts about yourself
Difficulty relaxing or feeling safe—even in familiar places
If you recognize yourself in these, you may be experiencing the symptoms of PTSD.
While feeling stressed or shaken after a difficult event is normal, PTSD is different. The feelings don’t fade with time. Instead, they can get worse and start disrupting your daily life, relationships, and your overall well-being.
But know this: Help is available. PTSD is not a life sentence. It can be managed and treated with therapy, support groups, and mental health-related resources that we are about to go over.
Let's break down the 17 symptoms of PTSD so you can better understand what's happening and what steps to take next.
Table of Contents
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a trauma and stressor-related disorder. While historically associated with combat veterans ("shell shock" in WWI and "combat fatigue" in WWII), we now understand that PTSD can affect anyone who experiences trauma. [5]
Common Causes of PTSD
PTSD can develop after various traumatic experiences, including:
Trauma: Physical or sexual assault, serious accidents, or violent events
Combat exposure: Military personnel witnessing or experiencing warfare
Childhood neglect and abuse: Early traumatic experiences that impact development
Natural disasters: Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or wildfires
Sudden loss: Unexpected death of a loved one, especially in traumatic circumstances
Statistics & Prevalence
Certain populations face higher risks:
Military veterans: 11-20% of those who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom [1]
Sexual assault survivors: Up to 50% develop PTSD [2]
First responders: 10-30% experience PTSD symptoms [3]
While 70% of people face traumatic event, only 5.6% develop PTSD, with rates soaring in survivors of war and sexual violence. [4]
The 17 Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms fall into four main categories. Each person's experience is unique, but these 17 symptoms represent the most common manifestations of the disorder.
A. Intrusive Thoughts & Re-Experiencing
Flashbacks: Vivid episodes where you feel as if you're reliving the traumatic event. You may feel can include physical sensations like a racing heart or sweating.
Nightmares and distressing dreams: Recurring dreams about the trauma that disrupt sleep and cause emotional distress.
Uncontrollable distressing memories: Intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event that appear suddenly and without warning.
Severe emotional or physical reactions to trauma reminders: Encountering triggers that remind you of the trauma can cause intense anxiety, panic attacks, or physical symptoms like nausea.
Dissociation: Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings, sometimes described as feeling like you're watching yourself from outside your body.
B. Avoidance & Emotional Numbing
Avoiding trauma-related situations: Deliberately staying away from people, places, activities, objects, or situations that trigger memories of the traumatic event.
Emotional detachment: Feeling emotionally numb or being unable to experience positive emotions like joy, happiness, fulfillment, or love.
Loss of interest in activities: Recoiling from hobbies or social activities you once enjoyed
C. Negative Changes in Thinking & Mood
Persistent guilt or shame: Blaming yourself for the traumatic event or its aftermath, even when not at fault.
Negative beliefs: Developing distorted, negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world (e.g., "I can't trust anyone" or "The world is completely dangerous").
Memory issues: Difficulty remembering important aspects of the traumatic event.
Difficulty maintaining relationships: Struggling to connect with others or feeling detached from loved ones.
Hopelessness about the future: Believing you'll never recover or that your life will never improve.
D. Hyperarousal & Reactivity
Irritability and anger outbursts: Quick to anger, sometimes with little provocation.
Insomnia or sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to hypervigilance or nightmares.
Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on edge, looking for potential dangers, or having an exaggerated startle response.
Concentration problems: Difficulty focusing, completing tasks, or remembering information.
Disclaimer: Chateau Health and Wellness does not collect, store, or distribute any information from this PTSD Symptoms Self-Assessment. This tool is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The results are not saved and should not be used as a basis for self-diagnosis. If you are experiencing distressing symptoms, seek guidance from a licensed mental health professional. Using this assessment does not establish a doctor-patient or therapist-client relationship with Chateau Health & Wellness.
How PTSD Affects Daily Life
PTSD reaches far beyond its immediate symptoms, affecting nearly every aspect of daily functioning:
Emotional Impact
Individuals with PTSD often experience co-occurring conditions like depression and generalized anxiety. The emotional toll can be overwhelming, with mood swings, emotional numbness, and difficulty experiencing joy.
Social Effects
Relationships frequently suffer because those with PTSD may withdraw from loved ones, struggle with trust, or have difficulty expressing emotions. Social isolation can become a severe problem, further limiting support systems.
Professional Challenges
Concentration problems, memory issues, and heightened stress responses can make work environments challenging. Many people with PTSD struggle with job performance or maintaining employment.
Health Consequences
The chronic stress of PTSD takes a physical toll. Research from the CDC shows that people with PTSD have higher rates of cardiovascular problems, immune system issues, and chronic pain.
Diagnosing PTSD: When to Seek Help
When to Consider Professional Help
While it's normal to experience stress after trauma, consider seeking help when:
Symptoms persist for more than one month
Symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning
You experience suicidal thoughts or engage in self-destructive behaviors
The difference between normal trauma response and PTSD often comes down to duration and severity. Most people experience some stress after trauma that gradually improves, while PTSD symptoms persist or worsen over time.
PTSD Screening Tools
Mental health professionals use several validated assessment tools:
PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5): A 20-item self-report measure that assesses the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms
DSM-5 diagnostic criteria: Clinical guidelines used by professionals to diagnose PTSD
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5): The gold standard for PTSD assessment
Many reputable organizations, including the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Mayo Clinic, offer preliminary self-assessment tools.
Role of Mental Health Professionals
PTSD diagnosis and treatment require specialized knowledge. Look for:
Clinical psychologists with trauma expertise
Psychiatrists who specialize in trauma disorders
Licensed therapists with trauma-specific training
Early intervention significantly improves outcomes, with studies showing that treatment within three months of trauma can prevent chronic PTSD in many cases.
Treatment Options and Coping Strategies
Professional PTSD Treatments
Evidence-Based Psychotherapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns related to the trauma. According to the American Psychological Association, trauma-focused CBT has a 50-70% success rate in reducing PTSD symptoms.
Exposure Therapy: Gradually and safely helps you face trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations. This therapy works by reducing the power these memories have over your emotional responses.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) combines exposure therapy with guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to help the brain process traumatic memories differently.
Brainspotting (BSP): A relatively newer but effective therapy that helps identify and process trauma by focusing on specific eye positions that correlate with stored traumatic memories.
Medication Options
Several medications have FDA approval for treating PTSD:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine (Effexor)
Emerging Treatments
MDMA-Assisted Therapy: Currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, showing promising results for treatment-resistant PTSD
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): A procedure that targets the nerve tissue connected to the fight-or-flight response
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy: Allows for controlled exposure to traumatic scenarios
Self-Help & Coping Strategies
While professional treatment is essential, several self-help strategies can support recovery:
Mindfulness Meditation: Research shows that regular mindfulness practice can reduce PTSD symptoms by helping regulate emotional responses. For guided sessions, try apps like Headspace or Calm.
Grounding Techniques: When experiencing flashbacks or dissociation, the 5-4-3-2-1 technique helps reconnect with the present by identifying:
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
Physical Activity & Nutrition: Regular exercise reduces stress hormones and improves mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. A balanced diet supports brain health and emotional regulation.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand PTSD can reduce isolation. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer both in-person and online support communities.
FAQs on PTSD Symptoms
Can PTSD symptoms appear years later?
Yes, delayed-onset PTSD can develop months or even years after the traumatic event. Sometimes, symptoms emerge when a person encounters new stressors or trauma reminders.
What's the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)?
While PTSD typically develops from a single traumatic event, Complex PTSD results from prolonged, repeated trauma (like ongoing abuse). C-PTSD includes the core symptoms of PTSD plus additional challenges with emotional regulation, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships.
How can I support someone with PTSD?
Listen without judgment, avoid pressuring them to talk about trauma, learn about their triggers, encourage professional help, and be patient with their recovery process. Simply being present and consistent can make a significant difference.
Can PTSD be cured?
Rather than "cured," PTSD is more accurately described as "effectively managed." With proper treatment, many people experience significant symptom reduction and improved quality of life. Some may no longer meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD after treatment.
Are PTSD symptoms the same for everyone?
No, PTSD manifests differently based on factors like the nature of the trauma, personal resilience, genetics, and available support systems. Children and adolescents may show different symptoms than adults, including re-enacting the trauma through play or regression in developmental skills.
Recovery is Possible
If you recognize several PTSD symptoms in yourself or a loved one, remember that effective treatments are available. PTSD is not a sign of weakness—it's a normal response to abnormal circumstances.
Recovery is possible. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people with PTSD significantly reduce their symptoms and reclaim their lives. The journey isn't always linear, but each step forward matters.
If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, don't wait. Seek professional help today.
For over 13 years, Chateau Health & Wellness has been a trusted leader in residential treatment for mental health and addiction recovery. As one of the few centers recognized by the Fraternal Order of Police, Chateau is uniquely positioned to serve both first responders and the general public, addressing their distinct challenges with trauma and stress-related disorders.
Our multidisciplinary team includes licensed social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical professionals. We ensure that all treatment approaches are evidence-based and tailored to each individual’s needs.
The information shared in our blogs is backed by thorough research, professional insights, and decades of collective experience—reinforcing our commitment to educating and empowering our readers with credible and practical knowledge. Call today (435) 222-5225
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Sources & Expert Contributions
[1] VA.gov | Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp
[2] Kilpatrick, D. G., Resnick, H. S., Milanak, M. E., Miller, M. W., Keyes, K. M., & Friedman, M. J. (2013). National Estimates of Exposure to Traumatic Events and PTSD Prevalence UsingDSM-IVandDSM-5Criteria. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 26(5), 537–547. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21848
[3] First Responders and Disaster Responders Resource Portal. (n.d.). SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/technical-assistance/dtac/disaster-responders
[4] World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, May 27). Post-traumatic stress disorder. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/post-traumatic-stress-disorder
[5] Chekroud, A. M., Loho, H., Paulus, M., & Krystal, J. H. (2018). PTSD and the war of words. Chronic Stress, 2. https://doi.org/10.1177/2470547018767387
Ben Pearson, LCSW – Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
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About The Author
Zachary Wise, Trauma Recovery Advocate & Mental Health Educator & Writer
With eight years of experience in treatment and recovery. Combining professional expertise and personal experience, he helps individuals heal from trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. As a writer and speaker, he focuses on trauma-informed care, resilience, and holistic healing, empowering others with practical strategies for lasting recovery.