Experiencing trauma is, unfortunately, a part of life for many people. Trauma can result from one significant event or ongoing exposure to distressing experiences. When the impact of that trauma continues long after the event has passed – and starts to interfere with everyday life – it may lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Understanding trauma and PTSD helps us respond with empathy and awareness, whether supporting a colleague, a friend, or ourselves.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. This could be:

• A serious accident or injury
• Abuse or violence
• Sudden loss of a loved one
• Bullying or harassment
• Military combat
• Natural disasters
• Ongoing neglect or childhood trauma

Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD – but all trauma deserves recognition and support.

What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. People with PTSD may relive the trauma in vivid and distressing ways, even when the danger has long passed.

There is also a related condition called Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), usually caused by repeated or long-term trauma, often in childhood or unsafe relationships.

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

1. Re-experiencing the trauma:
   • Flashbacks or vivid memories
   • Nightmares
   • Intrusive thoughts
   • Intense emotional or physical distress when reminded of the trauma
2. Avoidance:
   • Trying to avoid thoughts, people, places, or situations that trigger memories
   • Avoiding talking about the trauma entirely
3. Changes in thinking and mood:
   • Negative thoughts about self or the world
   • Feelings of guilt, shame, or blame
   • Feeling detached or numb
   • Loss of interest in activities or relationships
4. Hyperarousal (being ‘on edge’):
   • Being easily startled or constantly alert
   • Irritability or angry outbursts
   • Trouble sleeping or concentrating

💡 These symptoms must persist for over a month and significantly impact daily life to be diagnosed as PTSD.

PTSD in the Workplace

PTSD can affect how someone copes with daily tasks, interacts with others, and manages stress. Signs may include:

• Increased absenteeism or difficulty concentrating
• Strong reactions to loud noises or certain trigger
• Emotional withdrawal or unpredictable mood
• Reluctance to join certain conversations or activities

Not everyone will disclose they have PTSD, so creating a psychologically safe environment is essential.

How to Support Someone with PTSD

• Be calm and grounded: Stay non-judgemental and avoid showing shock or discomfort.
• Don’t pressure them to share: Let them lead the conversation at their own pace.
• Avoid phrases like “just move on” or “it’s in the past.”: Trauma is not something people can easily forget.
• Help them feel safe: This may mean offering quiet spaces, being consistent, or simply being someone they can trust.
• Signpost support: GPs, trauma-informed therapists, and specialist charities can offer tailored help.
• Remind them they’re not alone and that healing is possible.

Recovery and Treatment

PTSD is treatable – with the right support, many people go on to recover fully or manage their symptoms well.

Common approaches include:

• Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Medication (often used alongside therapy)
• Peer support groups
• Grounding and self-regulation techniques

💡 Recovery takes time. Compassion, patience, and safety are key parts of the healing process.

Everyday Support for Trauma Survivors

Even outside formal treatment, the following can help people cope day to day:

• Breathing or grounding exercises
• Journalling or creative outlets
• Gentle routines and predictable environments
• Time in nature or calming spaces
• Knowing when to step away from triggers or distressing media

Trauma changes how people experience the world – but with understanding, safety, and support, people can heal. PTSD is not a weakness or a personal failing. It’s a response to overwhelming experiences, and it deserves care and respect.

You don’t need to be a therapist to help – just being trauma-aware and open to listening can make a meaningful difference.