SYMPTOMS

Re-experiencing symptoms:  flashbacks, nightmares, repetitive and distressing images or sensations, physical sensations, such as pain, sweating, feeling sick or trembling

Avoidance and emotional numbing: Trying to avoid being reminded of the traumatic event, avoiding certain people or places that remind you of the trauma, or avoiding talking to anyone about your experience, trying not to feel anything at all, self-isolating

Hyperarousal (feeling 'on edge'): feeling anxious and finding it difficult to relax. They may be constantly aware of threats and easily startled. Can lead to: irritability, angry outbursts, sleeping problems (insomnia), difficulty concentrating

Other problems: phobias, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, headaches, chest pains, stomach aches, work problems and breakdown in relationships

Source: NHS UK

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it doesn’t mean you are crazy. They are normal, instinctual responses to a traumatic past event (or series of events) and there are ways to reduce, and sometimes reverse them completely.

The symptoms can vary in intensity from one day to another. You may experience more of them when you’re feeling stressed in general. Memories of the traumatic event may be activated by a sound, smell, taste, place or image and set off your body's alarm system, causing your body to act as if you're in  danger.

Not all traumatic events lead to PTSD, however, and some of these symptoms will fade away a few weeks after the event. But if they persist for longer than a month, it may be PTSD.

PTSD is generally related to a single event, while Complex PTSD is related to

'repeated and multiple types of interpersonal trauma from which escape is difficult or impossible' (Cloitre, M. et al, April 2020).