What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying or deeply distressing event. It’s a natural response to trauma — and you are not broken for feeling the way you do.
Symptoms of PTSD
- Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares
- Hypervigilance or being easily startled
- Avoidance of triggers, places, or conversations
- Emotional numbness, guilt, or shame
- Difficulty sleeping, irritability, or anger
Trauma Looks Different for Everyone
PTSD can be caused by abuse, violence, war, medical trauma, accidents, loss, or any overwhelming experience. Some people develop symptoms immediately, others years later. There is no “right way” to respond to trauma.
Healing is Possible
- Seek therapy (especially trauma-informed approaches like EMDR or somatic therapy)
- Use grounding techniques to reconnect to the present
- Keep a soft object nearby or a scent that calms you
- Use the Hope Jar, Light a Candle, or Mind Spiral tools on this site
- Find peer support, even anonymously
If You’re in Crisis
You don’t have to go through it alone. PTSD is valid and real, and you deserve support.
- Canada: Talk Suicide Canada – 1-833-456-4566
- USA: Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255, press 1) or 988 Lifeline
- Global: findahelpline.com