Feeling fear during a traumatic event is natural. A real or perceived threat to life, health, or dignity triggers a natural fear response that activates the body’s “fight or flight” system and helps the person defend themselves or escape danger. People can process trauma in various ways, and most recover over time. However, in some cases, the effects of trauma continue to cause problems, and that may indicate the presence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

 

What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops when a person is directly involved in or witnesses a traumatic event. It can also occur after learning about a loved one’s traumatic experience or being exposed to the consequences of a traumatic event.

After a traumatic event, people with PTSD may experience recurring, intrusive, and distressing memories or dreams about the trauma, as well as dissociative reactions (flashbacks) in which they feel or act as if the event is happening again. PTSD is also characterized by intense physiological and psychological reactions to reminders of the trauma and active avoidance of such reminders.

PTSD affects both cognitive and emotional domains. Individuals may develop negative beliefs and expectations, such as “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted,” “The world is completely dangerous,” or “My nervous system is permanently damaged.” Sometimes, individuals may forget the event or its essential details. Emotionally, feelings of guilt, fear, anger, or shame may predominate, while feelings of happiness or joy seem inaccessible. People may lose interest or participation in meaningful activities and feel detached or estranged from others.

Other symptoms include irritability, angry outbursts, reckless or self-destructive behavior, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbances.

In some cases, depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself or one’s body, or sensing time is moving slowly) or derealization (experiencing the environment as unreal, dreamlike, distant, or distorted) may occur. A diagnosis of PTSD requires that the above symptoms persist for at least one month.

In children, PTSD may also manifest through developmental regression or speech difficulties, in addition to the symptoms listed above.

 

Risk Factors

PTSD risk factors include genetic predisposition and exposure to traumatic events. At-risk groups include:

• People involved in armed conflict
   

• Victims of violence or torture (including domestic abuse)
   

• Those who have experienced the unexpected death of a loved one
   

• Survivors of natural or man-made disasters
   

• People diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses
   

Approximately 3.9% of the global population has experienced PTSD at some point. It is more common among women than men. However, the majority of people exposed to potentially traumatic events do not develop PTSD.

 

Impact on Life

Living with PTSD can be extremely difficult, affecting both the individual and those around them. Understanding the widespread impact of PTSD on daily life is important for offering meaningful support and seeking effective treatment.

To cope with anxiety, individuals may avoid places, people, or activities that remind them of their trauma, limiting their social and professional lives. Intrusive thoughts and memories interfere with concentration and daily tasks. Nightmares and flashbacks may feel so real that the person believes they are reliving the traumatic event.

PTSD often disrupts sleep, causing insomnia or restlessness, which can lead to chronic fatigue. Chronic pain and physical issues may also arise, as trauma-related stress contributes to headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and other conditions.

Persistent negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world can lead to hopelessness, guilt, or shame. Relationships may become strained, as loved ones may not understand the individual’s experience. People with PTSD often struggle to express their needs and emotions, believing that others cannot truly comprehend what they’re going through. This can lead to isolation, especially when accompanied by emotional numbness, which affects the ability to feel joy, love, and other positive emotions.

PTSD may also cause individuals to lose interest in once-pleasurable activities, contributing to a sense of emptiness and disconnection from life. Some develop maladaptive coping strategies, such as increased use of psychoactive substances, which worsens their condition.

 

Treatment

PTSD treatment should begin as soon as possible after psychological trauma. While early intervention isn’t always possible, today’s mental health professionals can offer effective therapies that may lead to full recovery. The primary treatment approach includes psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.

The World Health Organization recommends the following treatment options for PTSD:

• Individual or group trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-T)
   

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
   

• Training in stress-reduction techniques (e.g., breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation)
   

• Developing positive coping strategies
   

Social support plays a key role in recovery.

Pharmacological therapy may include antidepressants and medications targeting specific symptoms such as sleep disturbances, nightmares, or co-occurring conditions.

With timely and appropriate intervention, people with PTSD can significantly reduce symptoms, restore functioning, and regain control over their lives.