What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Trauma is a complex and multi-dimensional experience that can have a profound impact on an individual's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Trauma can come in many different forms, including natural disasters, war, physical or sexual assault, emotional abuse, or other life-threatening situations. Trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); a mental health condition that affects individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.

PTSD symptoms can vary widely and may affect individuals in different ways. It is important to note that PTSD is not a sign of weakness, and individuals who experience these symptoms are not to blame for their condition.

PTSD symptoms

Here are some possible symptoms of PTSD and how they may present in life:

Intrusive thoughts

One of the hallmark symptoms of PTSD is intrusive thoughts. These thoughts can be disturbing, vivid, and unwanted. Intrusive thoughts can come in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, or even daydreams. They can trigger intense emotions and lead to anxiety, fear, or panic attacks.

Intrusive thoughts can interfere with an individual's ability to concentrate, affect their mood, and cause social isolation.

Avoidance

Avoidance is another common symptom of PTSD. This can include avoiding people, places, or situations that remind the person of the traumatic event. For instance, an individual who survived a car accident may avoid driving. Or a person who experienced a violent crime may avoid going out at night.

Avoidance can affect an individual's daily life, making it difficult for them to engage in normal activities and maintain relationships with others.

Hyperarousal

Hyperarousal refers to a state of heightened alertness, where a person is constantly on the lookout for potential threats. Hyperarousal can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and paranoia. It can also cause physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension.

Hyperarousal can interfere with an individual's ability to sleep, concentrate, and engage in social situations.

Negative thoughts and mood

PTSD can also cause negative thoughts and moods, such as guilt, shame, and depression. These feelings may be linked to the traumatic event and can linger long after the event has passed. Negative thoughts and mood can also contribute to social isolation, low self-esteem, and difficulty maintaining relationships.

Negative thoughts and mood can affect an individual's daily life, making it difficult for them to engage in normal activities and maintain relationships with others.

Arousal and reactivity

Arousal and reactivity refer to the physical and emotional responses an individual experiences when reminded of the traumatic event. This can include feelings of anger, irritability, and being easily startled. Physical symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate, and muscle tension may also occur.

Arousal and reactivity can interfere with an individual's ability to concentrate, sleep, and engage in social situations.

Difficulty concentrating

PTSD can affect an individual's ability to concentrate and focus, which can lead to difficulties at work or school. It may also contribute to social isolation.

Difficulty concentrating can affect an individual's daily life, making it difficult for them to engage in normal activities and maintain relationships with others.

Sleep disturbances

Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of PTSD. This can include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares. Sleep disturbances can also lead to fatigue and exhaustion, which can affect an individual's ability to function during the day.

Sleep disturbances can interfere with an individual's ability to concentrate, engage in social situations, and maintain relationships with others.

Big T and small t trauma

Not all traumas are the same. Traumas can be classified into two categories: big T and small t traumas. Big T Traumas are typically catastrophic events, such as natural disasters, war, or violent crimes. Small t traumas, on the other hand, are events that may seem less severe, but can still have a significant impact on an individual's emotional and psychological well-being, such as emotional abuse, bullying, or neglect.

It's important to note that the classification of trauma as big T or small t is not an exact science and can vary from person to person. For instance, a small t trauma for one person may be a big T Trauma for another. It's also important to recognise that the impact of trauma is subjective and can vary based on an individual's background, personality, and life experiences.

Big T Trauma

Big T Traumas are typically catastrophic events that threaten an individual's physical or psychological well-being. These traumas can have a lasting impact on an individual's life and can contribute to the development of PTSD.

Examples of big T Traumas include:

• natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes
• war, combat, or terrorist attacks
• physical or sexual assault
• car accidents or other life-threatening accidents
• the unexpected death of a loved one

Big T traumas can have a profound impact on an individual's emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Individuals who experience big T Traumas may have difficulty coping with the event and may experience symptoms of PTSD.

Small t trauma

Small t traumas may seem less severe than big T Traumas, but can still have a significant impact on an individual's emotional and psychological well-being. These traumas can be ongoing and can accumulate over time, leading to a range of mental health issues.

Examples of small t traumas include:

• emotional abuse or neglect
• bullying or harassment
• financial or job-related stress
• relationship issues, such as divorce or separation
• chronic illness or injury

Small t traumas can lead to a range of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It's important to recognise that the impact of small t traumas can be just as significant as big T Traumas. Individuals who experience small t traumas should seek support and treatment as needed.

Big T Traumas are typically catastrophic events, such as natural disasters, war, or violent crimes, while small t traumas are events that may seem less severe but can still have a significant impact on an individual's emotional and psychological well-being.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of trauma or PTSD, it's important to seek support and treatment from a qualified trauma-informed psychotherapist. With the right treatment and support, individuals can recover from the effects of trauma and lead fulfilling and satisfying lives.

Sources:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Brady, K. T., Killeen, T. K., Brewerton, T., & Lucerini, S. (2000). Comorbidity of psychiatric disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 61(suppl 7), 22-32.
Breslau, N. (2009). The epidemiology of trauma, PTSD, and other posttrauma disorders. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 10(3), 198-210.