How do I know if it’s PTSD?

Many people hear the term PTSD and imagine extreme situations—but PTSD is actually much more common and often develops quietly, in the aftermath of experiences that left you scared, overwhelmed, or powerless. You don’t need to have gone through a “worst-case scenario” for trauma to affect your mind and body.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a pattern of symptoms that can develop after a traumatic experience—an event or series of events that overwhelmed your nervous system’s ability to cope. Trauma can come from things like accidents, childhood abuse or neglect, medical emergencies, birth trauma, relationship violence, sudden loss, natural disasters, or years of chronic stress without support.

You might benefit from a PTSD assessment if you notice:

  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks
    Moments when the past suddenly feels very present—through nightmares, vivid recollections, or unexpected emotional “surges.”

  • Avoiding reminders of what happened
    Steering clear of certain places, people, conversations, or situations because they bring up too much discomfort or fear.

  • Feeling “on edge” or constantly alert
    Your body may feel jumpy, tense, easily startled, or like it’s always preparing for something bad to happen.

  • Emotional numbness or disconnection
    Difficulty feeling joy, closeness, or even fully “in” your life. Some people describe feeling shut down or distant from themselves.

  • Changes in mood or beliefs about yourself and the world
    Increased shame, guilt, self-blame, or the sense that you’re no longer the person you once were.

  • Strong reactions to triggers you can’t always explain
    Your heart races, you shut down, or you feel overwhelmed by emotions that seem out of proportion to the situation.

PTSD is not about being weak or needing to “get over it.”
It’s a physiological response—your nervous system held on to the memory of danger and hasn’t yet learned that you’re safe now.

The good news: PTSD is highly treatable.
With the right support, your brain and body can heal, integrate what happened, and return to a sense of steadiness and safety.

If you recognize yourself in these experiences, a trauma-focused assessment can help you understand what’s going on and whether a formal PTSD diagnosis—or trauma-informed therapy—would be helpful.

Dissociation: A Common but Often Misunderstood Trauma Symptom

Many people with PTSD experience some form of dissociation, which is the mind’s way of protecting you when something feels too overwhelming. Dissociation can range from mild to more noticeable, and it may show up in everyday life without you realizing it’s connected to trauma.

You might consider a PTSD assessment if you experience:

  • Feeling “spaced out” or disconnected from your surroundings

  • Losing chunks of time

  • Feeling detached from your body

  • Going numb or shutting down during stress

  • “Checking out” during conflict or emotional moments

Dissociation doesn’t mean you’re “losing touch with reality.”
It’s a survival response—your nervous system’s way of reducing overwhelming stress when fight or flight weren’t options.

Because dissociation often blends into daily life, many people don’t realize it’s a trauma response until they talk with a trained therapist.