PTSD and Trauma
Most people go through difficult or frightening events at some point, and it’s normal to feel shaken afterward. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops when the impact of a traumatic event carries on well beyond the event itself, continuing to affect how a person thinks, feels and functions, sometimes for months or years without support.
Trauma responses aren’t a sign of weakness. They’re a natural nervous-system response to an overwhelming experience. The difficulty is that, for some people, that response doesn’t settle on its own the way it does for others. This page covers what PTSD and trauma responses look like, at a general level and without describing specific traumatic events.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four categories. A diagnosis usually needs symptoms across each to last more than a month and get in the way of daily life.
Intrusive symptoms
- Unwanted, distressing memories of the event
- Nightmares related to the event
- Flashbacks, feeling as though the event is happening again
- Intense distress or physical reactions when reminded of the event
Avoidance
- Avoiding thoughts, feelings or conversations connected to the event
- Avoiding people, places or situations that serve as reminders
Mood & thinking
- Persistent negative beliefs about yourself, others or the world
- Ongoing fear, guilt, shame or anger
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Feeling detached or estranged from other people
- Trouble remembering key parts of the event
Arousal & reactivity
- Being easily startled, or constantly on guard (hypervigilance)
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Reckless or self-destructive behaviour
Complex trauma, linked to prolonged or repeated trauma (such as ongoing childhood adversity or sustained abusive relationships), can additionally involve difficulties with emotional regulation, sense of self and relationships. This is increasingly recognised as its own presentation, needing a tailored approach.
What causes PTSD?
PTSD can develop after exposure to a traumatic event: one involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or a serious threat to physical safety, experienced directly or witnessed. This can include accidents, natural disasters, assault, combat, family violence or other forms of abuse. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD.
Severity & duration
More severe, prolonged or repeated trauma generally carries higher risk.
Prior history
Earlier trauma, especially in childhood, can increase vulnerability to PTSD after later events.
Support afterward
Strong social support after a traumatic event is associated with lower risk of developing PTSD.
Biological factors
Individual differences in stress response and genetics appear to influence risk.
Co-occurring stressors
Extra life stress around the time of the trauma can compound its impact.
Developing PTSD isn’t a reflection of resilience or character. It reflects how a particular event interacted with a person’s history, biology and circumstances.
How is PTSD treated?
PTSD has several well-researched, trauma-focused treatments. The right one depends on the person and the nature of the trauma.
Trauma-focused CBT
Addressing the thoughts and beliefs that maintain distress after trauma, often with gradual, supported processing of the memory.
EMDR
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: a structured therapy using guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, with strong evidence for PTSD.
Prolonged exposure therapy
Gradual, supported exposure to trauma-related memories and situations to reduce their power over time.
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
A structured approach focused on identifying and shifting unhelpful beliefs that developed from the trauma.
Because trauma-focused treatment works directly with difficult material, it matters that the psychologist you see has real experience and training in trauma-specific approaches, delivered at a pace that feels safe for you.
When should I see a psychologist about PTSD or trauma?
It’s worth reaching out if you’ve noticed:
- Distressing memories, flashbacks or nightmares connected to a difficult event that persist beyond the immediate aftermath
- Ongoing avoidance of reminders that’s limiting your life
- Persistent low mood, numbness or negative beliefs since the event
- Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, or unable to relax
- Symptoms that have lasted more than a month and are affecting work, relationships or daily functioning
Some kinds of trauma have dedicated national services, in addition to the crisis contacts at the top of this page:
- 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 — 24/7 confidential support for family violence and sexual assault.
- Open Arms 1800 011 046 — Free, specialised trauma support for veterans and current serving ADF members.
A GP can set you up with a Mental Health Care Plan under Medicare’s Better Access scheme, which covers a rebate for a set number of psychology sessions each year.
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Get matched with a psychologistFrequently asked questions
What’s the difference between trauma and PTSD?
Trauma is the experience of a distressing or frightening event and the natural reactions that can follow. PTSD is a diagnosable condition that develops when trauma-related symptoms persist beyond a month, across specific categories, and significantly disrupt daily life. Many people experience trauma without developing PTSD.
Can PTSD develop months or years after the event?
Yes. Symptoms often begin within the first few months, but delayed-onset PTSD, where symptoms emerge six months or more after the event, is a recognised presentation.
Do I need to talk about the traumatic event in detail to get better?
Not necessarily, and not immediately. Trauma-focused therapies vary in how directly they involve processing the memory, and a good trauma-informed psychologist will work at a pace that feels manageable rather than pushing you into detail before you’re ready.
Is EMDR effective for PTSD?
EMDR has strong research support as an effective treatment for PTSD and is recommended in trauma treatment guidelines in Australia and internationally, alongside trauma-focused CBT and other exposure-based approaches.
What is complex trauma?
Complex trauma generally refers to prolonged or repeated traumatic experiences, often relational (such as ongoing childhood adversity or sustained abuse). It can involve broader difficulties with emotional regulation, identity and relationships beyond core PTSD symptoms, and it often benefits from longer-term, tailored treatment.
Do I need a GP referral to see a psychologist for PTSD?
No. A GP referral is only needed for a Medicare rebate through a Mental Health Care Plan.
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