Symptoms of clinical PTSD include exposure to trauma, such as experiencing, witnessing, learning about, or repeatedly being exposed to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Those affected may have recurrent and distressing memories or dreams related to the traumatic event, dissociative reactions like flashbacks, and intense emotional or physiological distress when reminded of the trauma. Individuals may also experience avoidance behaviors, memory lapses, persistent negative beliefs, distorted thoughts about the trauma, a negative emotional state, loss of interest in activities, detachment from others, and an inability to experience positive emotions. Additional symptoms include irritability, reckless behavior, heightened anxiety, concentration problems, and sleep disturbances. It's important not to self-diagnose PTSD, as only a trained professional can accurately diagnose this condition based on specific clinical criteria.

PTSD can significantly impact a person’s ability to work, perform daily activities, and maintain relationships with family and friends. Individuals with PTSD may appear disengaged or distant as they attempt to avoid thinking or feeling in order to suppress painful memories.

Trauma and adverse life experiences are similar but not the same. PTSD is a specific condition that develops when trauma has severely affected a person’s brain or well-being. While you can’t have PTSD without experiencing trauma, not every traumatic event will lead to PTSD. You can go through adverse life experiences without them resulting in PTSD or long-term trauma.

Imagine walking through a forest, and suddenly, a bear attacks you. You manage to escape and find safety. The next time you enter that forest, you’ll be on high alert, thinking about the bear and feeling more aware of your surroundings. Now, picture yourself swimming in the ocean and suddenly fearing that same bear might attack you there. The original fear made sense in the forest, but now it’s appearing inappropriately. Or imagine lying in bed, feeling as if you’re being attacked by the bear, reacting as if the danger is real, even though you’re safe. Additionally, imagine living every moment as if the bear is constantly nearby, watching you. This is what PTSD can feel like—constantly living with the feeling that the threat is always present, even when you’re safe.

PTSD should be diagnosed by a trained professional after a thorough interview and the use of self-report questionnaires or assessment tools. Care is needed, as PTSD can sometimes be overdiagnosed, leading to more problems than solutions.

There are various psychological treatments for PTSD, most of which focus on a process called memory reconsolidation. This approach helps your brain soften the impact of traumatic memories, making them less intrusive in your daily life. Different therapies address different needs in treating PTSD. While talking through trauma can be helpful for some, it doesn’t work for everyone. Advanced techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) may be needed for successful treatment in some cases.