Experiencing a traumatic event can leave lasting emotional wounds, and for some, those wounds can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a complex mental health condition that can impact anyone, regardless of age or background.
In this blog, we’ll explore the causes of PTSD, symptoms of PTSD, and evidence-based treatments for trauma to help you better understand the condition — and how healing is possible with the right support.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone personally experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. The APA defines PTSD as an anxious reaction to experiencing a traumatic event. While it’s normal to feel shaken or distressed after trauma, PTSD is different. It causes ongoing symptoms that can make everyday life feel overwhelming, even long after the danger has passed.
PTSD is often associated with military service or life-threatening events, but trauma comes in many forms. Anyone who has lived through a deeply distressing or disturbing experience can develop PTSD. If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone — and healing is possible.
Signs and symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can look different for everyone, but common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Intense psychological distress when exposed to cues that resemble aspects of the traumatic event
- Avoidance of distressing memories, thoughts, feelings, people, or places associated with the traumatic event
- Inability to remember important aspects of the traumatic event
- Diminished interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Feelings of detachment
- Feeling numb, hopeless, or disconnected
- Struggling with guilt or shame
- Feeling constantly on edge
- Panic attacks
- Having trouble sleeping
- Being easily startled
- Experiencing sudden bursts of anger or irritability
- Depersonalization or derealization
These are often grouped into four categories of PTSD symptoms: re-experiencing symptoms, avoidance symptoms, cognitive symptoms, and hyperarousal (reactivity) symptoms. These symptoms may ebb and flow, and they can become more intense when reminders of the traumatic event resurface.
What causes PTSD?
PTSD is caused by exposure to trauma or a traumatic event. The etiology of PTSD involves a complex interplay of psychological, biological, and social factors. Traumatic events that can lead to developing PTSD include:
- Military combat
- Physical, emotional, or sexual assault
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Car accidents
- Life-threatening illness or medical procedures
- Natural disasters like floods or wildfires
- Sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one
- Witnessing violence, a death, or serious injury
- First responder or frontline work
- A situation where your safety or the safety of someone else was at risk
Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. But for those who do, it’s not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign that your nervous system has been deeply impacted by what you’ve lived through. These PTSD events can overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope, leading to the development of the disorder.
Why PTSD happens
After a traumatic event, the brain and body go into survival mode — a powerful and normal response to danger. The natural stress response system becomes dysregulated, and instead of processing the trauma and returning to baseline, the individual’s brain remains in a heightened state of arousal. But when that response doesn’t turn off, and your brain continues to feel like it’s in danger even when you’re safe, this prolonged stress response can lead to the manifestation of PTSD symptoms.
This ongoing fight-or-flight response can interfere with your ability to process what happened, making it difficult to feel calm, focused, or emotionally connected. It’s not just “in your head” — PTSD involves real changes in the brain and nervous system.
Why do some people develop PTSD while others don’t?
Everyone responds to trauma differently. Some of the factors that may increase the risk of developing PTSD include:
- A history of previous trauma, especially in childhood
- Lack of support after the trauma
- Existing mental health conditions like anxiety or depression
- How long the trauma lasted or how severe it was
- Your sense of control during the event
- Biological and genetic factors
But no matter your background, your story is valid — and so is your healing journey. There is no “right” way to respond to trauma. If you’re experiencing symptoms of trauma or PTSD, you deserve care and support.
Coping strategies for living with PTSD
Living with post-traumatic stress disorder can feel exhausting at times, but there are ways to manage your symptoms and take back control. Incorporating healthy coping skills into your daily routine can support your recovery and help you build resilience. Here are some evidence-based coping strategies for PTSD feelings and day-to-day challenges:
- Establish safe, predictable routines: Have a routine for regular meals, sleep, and quiet time. Surround yourself with people and environments where you feel most secure.
- Practice grounding techniques: Grounding exercises — such as naming five things you can see, hear, or feel — help reconnect you to the present moment.
- Prioritize physical wellness: Taking care of your body supports your mind. Try to move your body regularly (even a short walk helps), get consistent sleep, and fuel yourself with nutritious foods. These small acts of self-care can improve mood and energy levels.
- Build a support network: Connection is healing. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who offer understanding without judgment. Sharing your story, when you’re ready, can reduce feelings of isolation and shame.
- Use mindfulness and relaxation tools: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can ease PTSD feelings of stress and anxiety. Apps, guided meditations, or yoga for trauma can be great places to start.
- Set boundaries: If certain situations or people make your symptoms worse, it’s okay to set boundaries. Protecting your peace and mental health are part of your healing process.
Healing from post traumatic stress takes time, patience, and support. Combining therapy with practical self-care and coping strategies can help you regain stability, confidence, and peace.
Evidence-based treatment for PTSD
With the right support, many people experience meaningful relief from symptoms and go on to live full, connected lives. Evidence-based PTSD treatments focus on helping people safely process what happened, reduce distressing symptoms, and regain a sense of control. Some of the most common therapeutic approaches for PTSD include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns related to the trauma.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Encourages gradual, safe exposure to trauma-related thoughts or memories, helping reduce fear and trauma responses over time.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Focuses on challenging beliefs that may have developed after trauma, such as blame or guilt.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses guided eye movements or other stimuli to help process traumatic memories.
These therapies are led by licensed mental health professionals who specialize in trauma and know how to create a safe space for healing.
Trauma-informed therapy for PTSD
Finding a therapist who understands trauma can make a world of a difference in your recovery from PTSD. Our network of trauma-informed therapists work with you at your own pace, with compassion, respect, and clinical expertise.
Whether you’re navigating flashbacks, struggling with sleep, or simply feeling disconnected from the world around you, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. With the right tools and support, healing is within reach.
Takeaway
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, it’s important to seek professional help. PTSD can make life feel isolating, but help is available. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk alongside you.
Our network of licensed PTSD therapists offer both in-person and online therapy options. Whether you’re seeking therapy for PTSD, trauma, or other mental health concerns, our network of therapists are here to help you feel safe, supported, and seen. Choose your therapist at findmytherapist.com and schedule your first appointment directly online.
