Quick read
Key points
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PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, involving symptoms such as intrusive memories or flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the event, heightened alertness, and changes in mood or beliefs about oneself or the world. Symptoms can begin soon after the event or emerge months or even years later.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You're experiencing intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to a traumatic event
01 · Know
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, involving symptoms such as intrusive memories or flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the event, heightened alertness, and changes in mood or beliefs about oneself or the world. Symptoms can begin soon after the event or emerge months or even years later.
PTSD is a recognised, treatable condition. Specific trauma-focused therapies, such as trauma-focused CBT and EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing), have strong evidence of helping people process traumatic experiences and reduce symptoms significantly.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Trauma-focused therapies are specifically designed for PTSD
General talking therapy can help with many concerns, but PTSD responds best to specific trauma-focused approaches like trauma-focused CBT or EMDR, which are designed to help process traumatic memories directly.
03 · Act
When to Seek Help
- 1You're experiencing intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to a traumatic event
- 2You're avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of the event
- 3You feel constantly on edge, easily startled, or find it hard to feel safe
- 4You have any thoughts of self-harm or suicide — seek help immediately, support is available
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Avoidance of Reminders Is Common But Can Maintain Symptoms Long-Term
While avoiding reminders of trauma feels protective, this pattern can maintain PTSD symptoms over time — trauma-focused therapy provides a safe, structured way to process these memories rather than avoiding them indefinitely.
- 1Seek a referral for trauma-focused therapy.Approaches like trauma-focused CBT or EMDR have strong evidence specifically for PTSD.
- 2Be patient with the recovery process.Processing trauma takes time, and progress isn't always linear — this is a normal part of recovery.
- 3Build a support network.Trusted friends, family, or support groups for trauma survivors can provide valuable understanding and connection.
- 4Practice grounding techniques.These can help manage flashbacks or intense distress by reconnecting with the present moment.
- 5Take care of your physical wellbeing.Regular sleep, activity, and reducing alcohol can support overall recovery alongside therapy.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
PTSD is a recognised, treatable condition, and trauma-focused therapies have strong evidence of helping people process traumatic experiences and recover meaningfully.
If you have any thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out for help immediately — support is available and effective.