Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is what can develop when the mind and body stay stuck in survival mode after a deeply distressing event — or a series of them. It can follow accidents, violence, disasters, medical emergencies, military or emergency service, childhood abuse, or witnessing harm to others. Not everyone who goes through trauma develops PTSD; most people recover naturally with time and support. For some, though, the alarm system stays switched on.
PTSD tends to show up in four ways. Re-experiencing: unwanted memories, nightmares, or flashbacks where the event feels like it’s happening again. Avoidance: steering away from people, places, conversations, or feelings connected to what happened. Changes in thinking and mood: feeling numb, guilty, ashamed, or believing the world is entirely unsafe. Being on edge: trouble sleeping, irritability, jumpiness, always scanning for danger.
It’s common for PTSD to be mistaken — by others and by the person themselves — for being "difficult," "angry," or "withdrawn." In truth, these are the visible edges of an injury, not a character flaw. And like other injuries, PTSD is treatable. Approaches such as trauma-focused counselling and EMDR have strong evidence behind them, and many people recover well — even years after the original event. Seeking help early tends to make recovery smoother, but it is never too late.
"Trauma is a fact of life. It does not… have to be a life sentence."
— Dr. Peter Levine, Waking the Tiger
Try this in practice
- Learn your early-warning signs. Notice what tells you the alarm is switching on — clenched jaw, racing thoughts, scanning the room — so you can respond early.
- Anchor in the present. Press your feet into the floor, feel the chair beneath you, and remind yourself: "That was then. This is now. I am safe here."
- Reduce avoidance gently. Avoidance shrinks life over time. With support, take small, planned steps back toward the things you’ve been avoiding.
- Protect sleep. Keep a wind-down routine, limit alcohol (it worsens nightmares and sleep quality), and get help early if sleep stays broken.
- Reach out. Effective treatments exist. A GP, counsellor, or Phoenix Australia’s resources can help you find the right support.