PTSD

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it’s important to seek professional help and support.

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Reviews from

Dr Pamela Walters

Reviewed by

Dr. Pamela Walters is our Medical Director and Consultant Psychiatrist at Eulas.

Page last updated:

Wednesday, 15 April 2026

What Is PTSD?

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It is characterised by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors, and can interfere with a person’s ability to function in their daily life. PTSD can develop after a variety of traumatic events, such as physical or sexual assault, combat exposure, natural disasters, and accidents. Treatment for PTSD typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support from loved ones and professionals.

Signs & Symptoms Of PTSD

The signs and symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, but commonly include:

Intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event, including flashbacks or nightmares.
Avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding certain people, places, or situations that may trigger memories of the trauma.
Hypervigilance or heightened arousal, including being easily startled, feeling irritable or angry, and having difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Negative thoughts or feelings, such as feelings of guilt, shame, or depression, as well as a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
Physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, and chest pain.
Substance abuse or self-destructive behaviors, such as drinking or drug use.
Emotional numbness, including difficulty feeling positive emotions or feeling disconnected from loved ones.

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, and some people may not experience symptoms until weeks or months after the traumatic event.

Professional psychotherapies and young woman suffering from ptsd

Stages of PTSD

There are no absolute stages of PTSD, but the disorder is generally thought to involve five main symptom clusters. While not everyone with PTSD will experience all of these symptoms, most people will have symptoms from each of these categories to some degree. It’s important to note that PTSD is a complex disorder that affects each person differently, and symptoms may be more or less severe at different times. Treatment for PTSD typically involves therapy, medication, and support from loved ones and professionals.

1. Impact Stage
This is when the traumatic event first happens and a person experiences shock, confusion, or intense fear. They might feel overwhelmed and have trouble processing what just occurred.
2. Denial Stage
Here, you may push away the trauma or feel emotionally “shut down.” It’s a self-protective way to cope when the event still seems too overwhelming to handle.
3. Rescue Stage
As reality sets in, people may look for immediate ways to feel safe or supported. They often seek help, comfort, or strategies to regain a sense of control and stability.
4.Acceptance Stage
During this phase, you begin to process the experience and gradually return to your usual routine. You may still have strong emotions or symptoms, but they’re actively working to move forward and come to terms with the trauma.
5.Recovery Stage
Over time, people learn to integrate the traumatic event into their lives in a healthier way. They develop coping skills, gain emotional resilience, and reshape their sense of identity and future. Getting to this point can be a long road for some people but with the right help you can overcome traumatic experiences.

PTSD

Dr Pamela Walters

What Is PTSD?

Signs & Symptoms Of PTSD

Stages of PTSD

1. Impact Stage

2. Denial Stage

3. Rescue Stage

4.Acceptance Stage

5.Recovery Stage

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