When someone says, “I just can’t move past what happened”, what are they really experiencing?
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“Memories of the event keep coming back.”
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“I feel constantly on edge or alert.”
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“Certain places or sounds trigger anxiety.”
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“I struggle to relax even when I’m safe.”
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic or life-threatening event.
The brain has a natural system for processing stressful experiences. However, after severe trauma, this system can remain in a heightened “fight or flight” state, making it difficult for the nervous system to fully relax.
People living with PTSD may experience intrusive memories, nightmares, emotional numbness, anxiety or hyper-vigilance. The body may also remain physically tense, with symptoms such as sleep disturbances, headaches or digestive issues.
PTSD affects both mental and physical health, because trauma can change the way the brain processes fear and stress.
Supportive therapies aim to help individuals restore balance to the nervous system and regain a sense of safety and control.