Understanding PTSD: Symptoms and Causes
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition, can happen to a person after living through or witnessing a traumatic event. The condition is often associated with combat veterans, but PTSD can affect anyone: children, teens, and adults alike. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6% of U.S. adults will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to develop the condition.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can look different from person to person, but they often follow recognizable patterns that mental health professionals group into four main categories. These symptoms are not just emotional. They can affect thoughts, behaviors, and even physical health.
Some may appear immediately after a traumatic event, while others may surface weeks, months, or even years later. Understanding these patterns can help you recognize when it may be time to seek professional support. They include:
· Intrusive memories – Flashbacks, nightmares, or sudden thoughts that bring the trauma back vividly.
· Avoidance behaviors – Steering clear of people, places, or situations that are reminders of the event.
· Negative changes in thinking and mood – Feelings of guilt, shame, or emotional numbness, as well as pulling away from relationships.
· Heightened arousal and reactivity – Being easily startled, having trouble sleeping, or reacting strongly to everyday sounds and situations.
These symptoms can last for months or even years if left untreated. They often interfere with close relationships, career responsibilities, and overall quality of life. Many people with PTSD also develop co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, or substance misuse as they try to manage the overwhelming stress. The good news is that effective PTSD therapy can significantly reduce these symptoms and help individuals regain stability and peace of mind.
Why These Symptoms Happen
PTSD symptoms are the brain and body’s way of responding to trauma. During a traumatic event, the nervous system goes into “fight, flight, or freeze” mode. For many people, once the danger passes, the body gradually returns to normal. But in PTSD, the brain continues to react as though the trauma is still present.
That’s why a slamming door might trigger panic, or why dreams replay painful scenes. It isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s the brain trying to stay on guard against danger, even when you’re safe.
The Impact of PTSD on Daily Life
Left untreated, PTSD can affect nearly every part of a person’s life. Relationships may feel strained as loved ones struggle to understand. Work and school performance may suffer due to lack of sleep, poor concentration, or emotional exhaustion. Many people with PTSD also experience depression, anxiety, or turn to unhealthy coping strategies such as substance use.
How Therapy Helps PTSD
The good news is that PTSD is treatable. With professional support, people can learn to process their trauma in a safe way and reduce painful symptoms. Evidence-based approaches include:
· Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – Helps identify and shift negative beliefs linked to the trauma.
· Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Uses guided eye movements or other gentle stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories.
· Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Teaches healthier thought patterns and coping strategies to manage triggers.
At Harvest House Marriage and Family Therapy, clients also have the option of faith-based counseling. For those who find strength in their spirituality, integrating prayer or biblical principles can provide comfort and hope during the healing process.
Finding Hope and Healing From PTSD
Living with PTSD can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Millions of people have experienced recovery through counseling and support. Therapy doesn’t erase the past, but it can help you regain a sense of safety, rebuild trust in yourself and others, and move forward with more peace.
If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD symptoms, reaching out for help is a powerful first step. Harvest House Marriage and Family Therapy provides compassionate, evidence-based PTSD treatment in Syracuse, Auburn, and DeWitt, New York, with both in-person and online options. Schedule an appointment with a PTSD therapist today.