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PTSD symptoms and how to know if you have it

As explained by Black Dog Institute, if you have experienced a traumatic event at some point in your life, you may be living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In this article, we’ll take a look at what PTSD symptoms are, what to look out for, and how to know when to reach out for support.

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What is PTSD?

According to Better Health Channel, post-traumatic stress disorder is a treatable anxiety condition that can develop after you experience or witness any traumatic event that threatens your emotional or physical safety.

However, it’s often society’s lack of understanding and accommodation that makes living with PTSD more difficult.

As explained by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, trauma can take many forms, including natural disasters, accidents, physical or sexual assault, combat, or any event that is deeply overwhelming.

To learn more in-depth about what PTSD is, explore our recent blog: What is PTSD? An in-depth understanding.

If you think you could be living with PTSD, it’s important to visit your GP for professional advice, and personalised support.


Risk factors for developing PTSD

Not everyone who goes through a traumatic experience will develop PTSD.

Black Dog Institute explains that factors that influence whether someone develops PTSD can include age at the time of the trauma, genetic predispositions, personality traits, coping strategies, and how society supports or restricts their recovery.

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Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four categories, which Black Dog Institute explains are: re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance behaviours, physical and behavioural changes, and changes in mood and thinking.

These symptoms often become harder to manage when environments lack inclusivity or communities do not provide adequate support.

If you think you may be experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek professional medical support.


Re-experiencing symptoms

Re-experiencing symptoms are typically reactions to triggers. Triggers are explained by WebMD as feelings of anxiety, fear, or anger when something reminds you of the trauma, made worse by environments that fail to consider mental health triggers.

They may include:

  • Flashbacks—vivid memories or sensations of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares—distressing dreams related to the trauma
  • Intrusive thoughts—unwanted, recurring thoughts about the event
  • Reactions to triggers—feelings of anxiety, fear, or anger when something reminds you of the trauma


Avoidance symptoms

Avoidance symptoms can lead you to change your routine to avoid reminders of the trauma.

According to Better Health Channel, examples include:

  • Avoiding triggers—staying away from places, people, or situations that remind you of the traumatic event
  • Emotional numbness—feeling disconnected from your emotions
  • Feeling detached from others—a sense of disconnection from people in your life
  • Loss of interest in activities—losing interest in activities you used to enjoy


Physical and behavioural changes

People living with PTSD might feel constantly on alert, as though they are in danger.

Workplaces, communities, or social settings that don’t provide safe spaces can make these symptoms harder to manage.

Black Dog Institute explains that this can manifest as:

  • Feeling on edge—being easily startled or always feeling on edge
  • Irritability and anger—becoming easily frustrated or angry
  • Difficulty sleeping—difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • Difficulty concentrating—finding it hard to focus
  • Reckless behaviour— engaging in behaviours you might not normally consider


Mood and cognition symptoms

These symptoms can change the way you think and feel, often resulting in emotions or thoughts that feel hard to control.

Black Dog Institute says they may include:

  • Negative thoughts—struggling to feel happy or positive, often worsened by lack of societal support or mental health resources
  • Exaggerated feelings of blame—feeling responsible for the traumatic event or directing blame towards others
  • Difficulty remembering the trauma—difficulty recalling details of the trauma
  • Loss of interest in activities—no longer enjoying activities you once liked
  • Feeling detached—a sense of being removed from your surroundings or from other people
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Management and treatment of PTSD

If you're living with PTSD, there are many extremely effective management and treatment options out there to help you recover, and get back to leading a fulfilling life, on your terms.

In fact, with the right treatment and removal of societal barriers, most people recover from PTSD. If you’re living with PSTD, it’s important to remember that visiting a medical professional is the best way to understand how to manage your symptoms.

According to Black Dog Institute and Health Direct, some typical treatment options and ways to manage PTSD symptoms include:


Self-help strategies and lifestyle

Self-help strategies can be a great way to manage your PTSD symptoms. These strategies can include:

  • Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, and your feelings of being on-edge.
  • Mindfulness and meditation: Practising mindfulness and meditation can help you stay present and cope with intrusive thoughts.
  • Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process your emotions and thoughts.
  • Support groups: Joining a support group such as SANE can provide you with a safe space to share your experiences and connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
  • Regular sleep schedule: Getting enough sleep can help improve your overall health and reduce stress.
  • Avoiding alcohol and drugs: Alcohol and drugs can worsen PTSD symptoms and should be avoided.
  • Healthy diet: Keeping a healthy diet can improve your overall health and wellbeing.


Therapy options

Therapy can be a highly effective way to manage PTSD symptoms, especially when society and workplaces recognise the value of mental health. Some therapy options include:

  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
  • Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR can help you process traumatic memories and reduce the intensity of your PTSD symptoms.
  • Prolonged exposure therapy: Prolonged exposure therapy can help you confront and process your traumatic memories.
  • Group therapy: Group therapy can provide you with a safe space to share your experiences and connect with others who are going through similar struggles.


Medication

Medications can be used to manage some PTSD symptoms, but it’s critical that you only take medication prescribed by your GP or mental health professional.

Medications are part of a wider support system that needs to include societal understanding and structural support.

Some medications that may be prescribed include:

  • Antidepressants, which can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Anti-anxiety medications, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety

It is critical that you only take medication that has been prescribed by a medical professional. 

If your GP has prescribed you any medication, it's important that you stick to your treatment plan and continue to take the medication as prescribed, unless otherwise discussed with a healthcare professional.

Other support

Along with medical and psychological support from providers such as GPs, psychologists and counsellors, there are also other supports available to help you through your journey with PTSD.

For over-the-phone support, there are helplines such as Lifeline, SANE Australia, and Open Arms, which you can call for free at any time of day.

To connect with others who are going through a similar experience to you, you might like to explore SANE Australia's online forums, which are open for anyone to participate in.

If you're having difficulty finding and keeping a fulfilling job that also suits your PTSD symptoms, there is professional support out there that can help, such as APM Employment Services.

No matter what you need, there is support out there to help you manage what you’re experiencing and get you back to living the life you want, free from societal barriers.

Taking the first step towards seeking help can feel overwhelming, but reaching out is an important part of your journey. If you’re unsure where to start, APM is here to help. Our team understands the challenges you may be facing and can provide guidance and support in finding employment that suits your needs. Get in touch with APM today – we’re here to listen and help, every step of the way.

If you think you may be living with PTSD, it's important that you visit your GP as soon as possible so that they can suggest a treatment plan based on your specific situation, and what will be best for you.

PTSD can be a challenging mental health condition, but with the right treatment and support from society, recovery is extremely possible.

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Resources and further reading

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

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