What Is PTSD and How Do I Know If I Have It?
Many people find themselves asking this question after going through something difficult or overwhelming. Afterwards, you may notice changes in your mood, sleep, relationships, or sense of safety and wonder whether what you’re experiencing is “normal,” or whether it could be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is often misunderstood, and it may be hard to recognize what is happening in the moment. This article will explain what PTSD is, common symptoms, how to consider whether it applies to you, and why support can be helpful for those who have experienced something traumatic..
What Is PTSD?
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma occurs when something overwhelms your nervous system’s ability to cope and leaves you feeling unsafe, helpless, or out of control.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is a nervous system response to threat—and it can happen to anyone.
What Counts as Trauma?
Trauma is subjective. Two people can go through the same event and be affected very differently. Experiences that may lead to PTSD or trauma-related symptoms include:
Sexual assault or abuse
Childhood emotional neglect or physical abuse
Domestic violence
Serious accidents or injuries
Surviving or witnessing violence
Medical trauma
Sudden loss or grief
Workplace trauma (such as healthcare workers or first responders)
Chronic exposure to stress or instability
You don’t need to have survived a single catastrophic event for trauma to have an impact.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms generally fall into four main categories. Not everyone experiences all of these, and symptoms can change over time.
Re-experiencing Symptoms
Intrusive memories or distressing thoughts about the traumatic event
Nightmares
Flashbacks or feeling as if the trauma is happening again
Strong emotional or physical reactions when reminded of the trauma
Avoidance
Avoiding thinking or talking about what happened
Avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger reminders or emotions about the traumatic event
Keeping yourself constantly busy or emotionally distant to avoid discomfort
Changes in Mood and Thinking
Persistent guilt, shame, or self-blame
Feeling numb, disconnected, or emotionally flat
Difficulty trusting others
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
A more negative view of yourself or the world
Hyperarousal and Reactivity
Feeling constantly on edge or “keyed up”
Being easily startled
Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts
How Do I Know If I Have PTSD?
Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose PTSD, but there are some common indicators that it may be worth exploring further.
When someone has PTSD, their symptoms typically:
Last longer than one month
Interfere with daily life, work, or relationships
Feel difficult to control or manage on your own
You might also notice that your reactions feel out of proportion to your current circumstances, or that part of you feels stuck in the past—even when you logically know the danger is over.
Some questions that can be helpful to reflect on when considering if you might have PTSD include:
Do I feel unsafe even when I’m objectively safe?
Am I organizing my life around avoiding reminders of what happened?
Does my body react before my mind can catch up?
If these resonate, it doesn’t mean you definitely have PTSD—but they can be signals that indicate you might benefit from seeking therapy.
You Can Be Struggling After Trauma Even If You Don’t Have PTSD
This is one of the most important things to understand: you can be deeply affected by trauma even if you don’t meet the full diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
PTSD is a specific mental health diagnosis, but trauma responses exist on a spectrum. Many people experience lasting emotional, physical, or relational difficulties after difficult experiences without ever receiving—or needing—a PTSD diagnosis.
Not having PTSD does not mean:
What happened “wasn’t bad enough”
You should be over it by now
You don’t deserve support
People who have experienced a traumatic event but don’t meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD may still experience:
Anxiety or panic that began after a stressful or overwhelming event
Depression, numbness, or low motivation
Chronic stress or burnout
Difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships
Feeling disconnected from your body or emotions
Physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, or digestive issues
Trauma-informed therapy focuses less on labels and more on how an experience affected your nervous system and your life. You do not need a diagnosis to benefit from trauma-informed therapy.
PTSD vs. Normal Stress Responses
It’s normal to feel shaken, emotional, or on edge after a difficult experience. In fact, it’s a really important thing that our body does in response to stress - keeps us on edge and on guard to help us survive. For many people, these reactions gradually ease with time and support.
PTSD is diagnosed when these symptoms don’t go away on their own - when they persist and begin to limit your ability to function or feel safe in the world. Early support can make a significant difference and may prevent symptoms from becoming more engrained into your behaviors and patterns.
If you’re unsure of if your response to stress is a “normal” reaction or may be a sign of PTSD, a mental health professional can help you sort through this in a thoughtful, non-judgmental way.
When to Seek Professional Help
It may be time to consider reaching out for therapy if:
Your symptoms are interfering with work, relationships, or sleep
You feel emotionally numb, disconnected, or constantly overwhelmed
You’re avoiding large parts of your life to manage distress
You feel stuck in survival mode
You’re relying on substances, dissociation, or overworking to cope
You don’t need to wait until things feel unbearable to ask for help. Therapy can help you PREVENT your symptoms from worsening and getting in the way of you living your life.
How Therapy Can Help With PTSD and Trauma
PTSD and trauma-related symptoms are treatable. Therapy can help you:
Feel safer in your body and mind
Process difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable
Reduce reactivity and emotional overwhelm
Rebuild trust, connection, and a sense of agency
Trauma therapy often focuses on helping the nervous system learn that the threat has passed, rather than forcing you to relive painful experiences. Effective treatment is collaborative, respectful, and tailored to your needs.
How My Practice Supports Clients Healing From Trauma
In my practice, I work with adults who are struggling with the emotional impact of difficult or overwhelming experiences. My approach to trauma therapy is compassionate, at your pace, and grounded in evidence-based, trauma-informed care. You can visit my website for more information about how I approach PTSD therapy: https://www.riseandfind.org/ptsd-therapy
Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, anxiety after a difficult experience, or the lingering effects of past trauma, therapy can offer a space to make sense of what you’re going through and begin to feel more like yourself again.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
If you’re wondering whether PTSD—or trauma more broadly—might be affecting you, you’re not alone. Curiosity about your mental health is a sign of self-awareness, not weakness.
You don’t need a diagnosis to seek therapy. If something you went through still feels unresolved or continues to affect your life, support is available.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation to talk more about if therapy is a good fit for you, click HERE to schedule!
Sincerely,
Dr. Varner
