10/03/2026
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that's triggered by a traumatic event; either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
People with PTSD may find themselves reliving the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear, or anger; and they might feel detached or estranged from other people. It can cause them to be very alert or on the lookout for danger, which is known as being hyperaroused. This can result in difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
It's normal for people to experience a range of reactions after trauma, and many recover from initial symptoms naturally. However, those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. Individuals with PTSD often have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event, and they might have strong negative reactions to something as ordinary as a loud noise or an accidental touch.
Treatment for PTSD typically involves therapy such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). Effective treatment can help people with PTSD reclaim their lives. Therapy for PTSD often involves helping the person learn skills to manage symptoms and develop ways of coping. Therapy can also teach people how to address and think differently about the traumatic event that triggered PTSD symptoms.
Please contact us if you’d like to chat about how CBT could support you or someone you know:
📞 0191 258 4958
✉️ enquiries@bluetalkingtherapies.co.uk