Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Such events might include war or combat, sexual or physical assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or any situation in which a person’s life or safety (or that of someone else) was threatened. World Health Organization+2SAMHSA+2
While many individuals feel distress after a trauma, with time and support most recover; PTSD applies when symptoms persist and begin to meaningfully interfere with everyday life — work, relationships, sleep or mood. National Institute of Mental Health+1

The hallmark signs of PTSD include:

• Re-experiencing the trauma: intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, or intense emotional distress when reminded of the event. National Institute of Mental Health+1
   
• Avoidance of reminders: steering clear of people, places or activities that recall the trauma; avoiding thinking or talking about it. MSD Manuals
   
• Negative changes in mood and thinking: feelings of shame, guilt, detachment from others, loss of interest in things once enjoyed, or persistent fear and hopelessness. National Institute of Mental Health
   
• Alterations in arousal and reactivity: being highly alert or jumpy, trouble sleeping or concentrating, irritability or outbursts of anger. MSD Manuals
   

PTSD does not affect everyone exposed to trauma. Specific factors increase risk: previous trauma, lack of social support, biological/genetic vulnerability, or certain kinds of traumatic exposure (e.g., prolonged violence). World Health Organization+1 Worldwide, about 3.9% of people experience PTSD at some point in their lives. World Health Organization

At Thuja Health Services we emphasise that PTSD is treatable, and recovery is possible. Evidence-based treatments include trauma-focused psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, exposure therapy) and, where needed, medication. National Institute of Mental Health+1
Support-ive care includes helping individuals rewrite the trauma’s impact on their life story, build coping skills, restore safety and trust, and reconnect with meaningful activity and relationships.
If you or someone you care about is carrying the burden of traumatic memories, you are not alone. With the right professional help and compassionate support, healing can begin — enabling you to reclaim your life beyond the shadow of past trauma.