What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Life is unpredictable, often throwing us into moments of profound sadness or challenge that we can neither foresee nor escape. These experiences naturally shape our emotions, our daily routines, and the way we connect with the world around us. But when a harrowing event leaves a deeper mark—lingering in our minds and bodies—it might signal something more, like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSD isn’t just a catch-all for tough times; it’s a specific condition outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), the guide clinicians use to identify mental health challenges. To be diagnosed with PTSD, you must have faced or witnessed a terrifying event—one so overwhelming that you feared for your life or someone else’s. From there, the aftermath unfolds in distinct, often debilitating ways.

Imagine reliving the worst moments as if they’re happening all over again—through vivid flashbacks or haunting nightmares that pull you back in time. You might feel detached from the present, a state known as dissociation, or find yourself constantly on edge, jumping at shadows—a symptom called hyperarousal. Perhaps you avoid certain places, people, or even thoughts, desperate to keep the pain at bay. Over time, these experiences can darken how you see yourself, others, and the world.

Take Brian’s story as an example. One night, while waiting for a taxi, Brian was mugged at gunpoint. The assailant demanded his phone and wallet, threatening his life. Shaken to his core, Brian couldn’t escape the memory—the glint of the gun replayed in his mind, and nightmares jolted him awake in a sweat. Once outgoing and fearless, he now saw danger everywhere. He scanned his surroundings obsessively, installed CCTV at home, and checked it day and night to protect his family. Eventually, he stopped going out altogether—and even urged his loved ones to stay home, terrified they’d face the same fate.

Brian’s response makes perfect sense. His world shifted after that night, and his instincts kicked in to shield him from further harm. But over time, this hypervigilance and isolation took a toll on his life, his relationships, and his sense of self. That’s where support comes in.

For PTSD, therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)—both recommended by the NHS—offer a lifeline. Brian sought help through therapy, which guided him to process the mugging, quiet the flashbacks, and ease his constant tension. Step by step, he began to rebuild his life. These evidence-based approaches don’t erase the past, but they help untangle its grip, freeing you to move forward.

Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, and that’s okay. If your struggles don’t fit these criteria, you’re still worthy of care—just a different kind. Reach out to us at Well Minds PTS, and we’ll explore what you’re going through together, tailoring support to your unique needs.

Tools to Manage PTSD Symptoms

• While professional help is key, there are practical steps you can take to regain control:

  Seek Support: Connect with a trauma-trained practitioner. It’s the most powerful move you can make.

  Ground Yourself: When flashbacks strike, try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique to anchor yourself in the now:

•  5 things you see: Notice the pattern on your curtains or the way sunlight dances on the floor.

• 4 things you feel: Feel your feet on the ground or the texture of a nearby object

• 3 things you hear: Tune into the hum of a fan or distant birdsong.

• 2 things you smell: Breathe in the scent of fresh air or a favourite essential oil

•   1 thing you taste: Pop a mint or sip something bold to stay present.

  Move Your Body: Regular exercise can ease the weight of PTSD symptoms.

  Limit Stimulants: Drugs or alcohol might numb the pain briefly, but they often deepen the struggle long-term.

  Embrace Nature: Research from UC Berkeley shows that the awe we feel in nature—like standing beneath towering trees—can lift PTSD’s burden.

  A Final Thought

  Trauma doesn’t always look like PTSD. If your experience has left you feeling stuck or low in a different way, we’re still here for you. Let’s talk about what you’ve been through, how it’s shaping your days, and how we can help you find your footing again.

  Ready to start? Click below to book an assessment with Well Minds PTS. Your path to healing begins with a single step—and we’ll walk it with you.