The 17 Symptoms of PTSD: An Essential Guide
- Zachary Wise
- Mar 4
- 16 min read
Updated: Jun 14
Have you ever felt trapped by intrusive thoughts, overwhelming anxiety, or a deep emotional numbness? If you or a loved one is struggling with these feelings, you’re not alone.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop when witnessing or experiencing something traumatic. It affects millions of people worldwide, often without them being aware of it.
Do any of these sound familiar?
Flashbacks that feel like reliving a traumatic event
Disturbing nightmares or trouble sleeping
Feeling disconnected from loved ones
Avoiding people, places, or conversations that remind you of trauma
Constantly feeling on edge, irritable, or easily startled
Trouble concentrating or staying focused at work
Overwhelming guilt, shame, or negative thoughts about yourself
Difficulty relaxing or feeling safe—even in familiar places
If you recognize yourself in these, you may be experiencing the symptoms of PTSD.
While feeling stressed or shaken after a difficult event is normal, PTSD is different. The feelings don’t fade with time. Instead, they can worsen and start disrupting your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
But know this: Help is available. PTSD is not a life sentence. It can be managed and treated with therapy, support groups, and mental health-related resources that we will cover.
Let's break down the 17 symptoms of PTSD so you can better understand what's happening and what steps to take next.
Table of Contents
The 17 Symptoms of PTSD Are:
Flashbacks: Vivid episodes where you relive the traumatic event. You may feel symptoms such as a racing heart or sweating.
Nightmares and distressing dreams: Recurring dreams about the trauma that disrupt sleep and cause emotional distress.
Distressing memories: Intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event that appear suddenly and without warning.
Severe emotional or physical reactions to trauma reminders: Encountering triggers that remind you of the trauma can cause intense anxiety, panic attacks, or physical symptoms like nausea.
Dissociation: Feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings, sometimes described as feeling like you're watching yourself from outside your body.
Avoiding trauma-related situations: Deliberately staying away from people, places, activities, objects, or situations that trigger memories of the traumatic event.
Emotional detachment: Feeling emotionally numb or being unable to experience positive emotions like joy, happiness, fulfillment, or love.
Loss of interest in activities: Recoiling from hobbies or social activities you once enjoyed
Persistent guilt or shame: Blaming yourself for the traumatic event or its aftermath, even when not at fault.
Negative beliefs: Developing distorted, negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world (e.g., "I can't trust anyone" or "The world is completely dangerous").
Memory issues: Difficulty remembering important aspects of the traumatic event.
Difficulty maintaining relationships: Struggling to connect with others or feeling detached from loved ones.
Hopelessness about the future: Believing you'll never recover or that your life will never improve.
Irritability and anger outbursts: Quick to anger, with little provocation.
Insomnia or sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to hypervigilance or nightmares.
Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling on edge, looking for potential dangers, or having an exaggerated startle response.
Concentration problems: Difficulty focusing, completing tasks, or remembering information.
Breaking The Symptoms Into 4 Parts
These symptoms can be broken down into 4 parts. The 4 parts of trauma symptoms are:
Trauma Symptoms Self-Assessment
After we break down the 4 parts and their respective symptoms, you can find a free interactive trauma symptoms checklist that you can use to assess if you're experiencing PTSD.
Part I: Intrusive Thoughts & Re-Experiencing
Intrusive thoughts and re-experiencing are PTSD symptoms that include unwanted thoughts that are intrusive and moments where you feel like you are reliving, or re-experiencing, memories of the experienced trauma.
1. Flashbacks
Flashbacks are intense episodes where you feel as if the traumatic event is happening again in the present moment.
What they feel like:
Seeing, hearing, or feeling aspects of the past as if they're occurring now
Physical reactions such as a racing heart, sweating, or trembling
Feeling trapped in the memory with no control
Losing awareness of your current surroundings
Varying in intensity from mild to completely overwhelming
Example: A veteran who served in combat might suddenly feel like they're back on the battlefield when they hear a car backfire. They may experience the same fear, body reactions, and thoughts they had during war.
2. Nightmares
Trauma-related nightmares are vivid, distressing dreams that often replay aspects of the traumatic event or evoke similar emotions.
How nightmares affect you:
Sleep disturbances, disrupted sleep patterns, and chronic fatigue
Fear of going to sleep
Waking up in panic with physical symptoms
Emotional distress that persists into the day
May lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms to avoid sleep
Example: A survivor of sexual assault might experience recurring nightmares where they are being pursued or attacked, waking up in a state of panic with their heart racing, unable to return to sleep for hours.
3. Intrusive Memories
Unwanted memories about the event that appear suddenly and without your control.
How intrusive memories work:
Appearing without warning during everyday activities
Feeling unavoidable and overwhelming
Triggering emotional and physical distress
Interrupting concentration and present-moment focus
Can vary in vividness and intensity
Example: A person who survived a serious car accident might be in the middle of a work meeting when intrusive images of the twisted metal and sounds of shattering glass suddenly flood their mind, making it impossible to focus on the discussion.
4. Emotional Distress at Reminders
Intense emotional reactions occur when exposed to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble the event.
Common reactions include:
Sudden onset of anxiety, panic, or fear
Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
Physical symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or chest pain
Strong urges to escape the situation
Emotional responses that feel disproportionate to the trigger
Example: A person who survived a house fire might experience intense panic and have difficulty breathing when smelling smoke from a neighbor's barbecue, needing to immediately leave the area.
5. Physical Reactivity to Reminders
Physical responses occur automatically when encountering reminders of the traumatic event.
Physical reactions may include:
Racing heart and rapid breathing
Sweating or trembling
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Muscle tension or pain
Feeling light-headed or faint
Example: A survivor of physical assault might experience immediate physical symptoms like trembling, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath when someone unexpectedly approaches them from behind.
Summary of Intrusive Symptoms
Key takeaway: Intrusive symptoms involve the unwanted re-experiencing of trauma in ways that feel very real and present, despite the trauma being in the past.
Daily impact: These symptoms can interrupt work, relationships, and basic activities, making it difficult to stay present in the moment.
When to be concerned: Seek help if these symptoms occur frequently, cause significant distress, or significantly restrict your life activities.
Remember: These intrusive experiences are normal responses to abnormal events—your brain is trying to process what happened, even if in a distressing way.
Part II: Avoidance & Emotional Numbing
Avoidance and emotional numbing are post traumatic stress symptoms that involve behaviors where you actively avoid situations that remind you of the memory. PTSD include feelings where you are numb or detached.
6. Avoiding Trauma-Related Situations
Deliberately staying away from people, places, activities, objects, or situations that trigger memories of the event.
What this avoidance looks like:
Taking different routes to avoid certain locations
Withdrawing from people connected to the trauma
Refusing to participate in formerly enjoyed activities
Avoiding media content related to the trauma
Restricting life activities to ensure safety
Example: Following a boating accident, a person might not only avoid boats but also avoid beaches, refuse to watch movies related to water, and decline social invitations that involve being near water.
7. Emotional Detachment
Feeling emotionally numb or unable to experience positive emotions like joy, happiness, fulfillment, or love.
Signs of emotional numbness:
Recognizing intellectually but not feeling positive emotions
Describing feeling "flat" or "empty" even during positive events
Going through the motions without emotional engagement
Diminished capacity for pleasure or enjoyment
Difficulty feeling love or affection toward important people
Example: A parent who survived an event might intellectually know they love their child but be unable to feel the emotional warmth and joy they previously experienced in their relationship, causing significant distress.
Summary of Avoidance Symptoms
Key takeaway: Avoidance symptoms represent the mind's attempt to protect itself from further distress, but often become problems themselves.
Daily impact: Avoidance can severely limit your activities, relationships, and ability to process and heal from trauma.
When to be concerned: Seek help when avoidance behaviors significantly restrict your life or when you're using unhealthy methods (like substances) to avoid traumatic memories.
Remember: While avoiding triggers may provide short-term relief, it often strengthens PTSD symptoms in the long run.
Part III: Negative Changes in Thinking & Mood
Negative changes in thinking and mood are often associated with a significant stressful experience and can worsen over time if PTSD is not treated early.
8. Loss of Interest in Activities
Recoiling from hobbies or social activities you once enjoyed.
Signs of diminished interest:
Abandoning hobbies or recreational activities
Declining social invitations
Feeling little or no enjoyment from previously pleasurable activities
Loss of motivation for personal goals or ambitions
Statements like "What's the point?" about formerly valued activities
Example: Someone who used to love photography might stop taking pictures after going through a traumatic experience. Their camera sits untouched, and they no longer feel interested in an activity they once enjoyed.
9. Persistent Guilt or Shame
Guilt or shame is when you blame yourself for what occurred and think that you, as a person, are inherently flawed as a result, even when you're not at fault.
How guilt and shame manifest:
Obsessing over what you "should have" done differently (Guilt)
Feeling responsible for not preventing the trauma (Guilt)
Blaming yourself for normal reactions during the event (Guilt)
Shame about the way you responded or coped afterward (Guilt)
Believing you deserved what happened (Shame)
Believing you are defective and flawed (Shame)
Example: Someone whose home was damaged in a natural disaster might blame themselves for not being more prepared or not leaving sooner (Guilt), even if they had handled everything correctly. They might begin to think that they are "stupid" for how they responded. (Shame)
10. Negative Beliefs
Developing distorted, negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world (e.g., "I can't trust anyone" or "The world is completely dangerous").
Common negative beliefs:
"I am damaged/broken."
"No one can be trusted."
"The world is completely dangerous."
"I am worthless/unlovable."
"Nothing good can happen to me."
Example: Someone who has experienced a home invasion may start to think that no place is safe.
11. Memory Issues
Difficulty remembering important aspects of the traumatic event.
How memory gaps manifest:
Missing pieces or "blank spots" in your recall of the event
Confusion about the sequence of what happened
Remembering the beginning and end but not the middle
Clearer memory of some sensory details but not others
Memories that feel fragmented or disconnected
Example: A survivor of a multi-car accident might clearly remember the moments before impact and being helped by first responders afterward, but have no memory of the actual collision or the immediate aftermath, despite being conscious throughout.
12. Difficulty Maintaining Relationships
Struggling to connect with others or feeling detached from loved ones.
How relationship difficulties present:
Feeling like others can't understand your experience
Emotional distance even in physically close relationships
Difficulty feeling connected during social interactions
Sense of being "different" or permanently changed
Withdrawal from social relationships
Example: After a challenging experience, a person who was once friendly might still go to family gatherings. However, they may feel distant, as if they are just watching instead of joining in..
13. Hopelessness About the Future
Believing you'll never recover or that your life will never improve.
Signs of hopelessness:
Persistent negative outlook about the future
Believing recovery is impossible
Loss of life goals or aspirations
Statements like "Things will never get better"
Thoughts that life is pointless
Example: A person who developed PTSD after a serious illness might become convinced they will never return to normal functioning or find joy again, despite making objective progress in their recovery.
When to seek help: When hopelessness persists or leads to thoughts of suicide, immediate professional help is essential.
Summary of Negative Changes in Thoughts and Mood
Key takeaway: Trauma can profoundly impact how you perceive yourself, others, and the world around you.
Daily impact: These negative thoughts can lead to feeling depressed, having trouble in relationships, and losing interest or joy in life.
When to be concerned: It’s important to get help if these thoughts don’t go away, or if they lead to feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of suicide.
Remember: These changes in how you think and feel are not personal failures. They are common responses to trauma, and with the right help, they can improve.
Part IV: Hyperarousal & Reactivity
Hyperarousal and reactivity involve changes in arousal that began or worsened after the traumatic event.
14. Irritability and Anger Outbursts
Quick to anger, sometimes with little provocation.
How irritability manifests:
Quick temper over minor frustrations
Verbal outbursts disproportionate to the situation
Physical expressions like slamming doors or throwing objects
Feeling constantly "on edge" or easily annoyed
Difficulty calming down once triggered
Example: A trauma survivor might explode in anger when their partner is slightly late coming home, yelling and slamming doors in a way that's uncharacteristic of their pre-trauma behavior.
15. Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances
Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to hypervigilance or nightmares.
Common sleep problems:
Trouble falling asleep despite fatigue
Waking frequently during the night
Early morning awakening with inability to return to sleep
Nightmares that disrupt sleep
Feeling unrested even after adequate sleep time
Example: A person who has experienced a home invasion might lie awake for hours, despite feeling exhausted, repeatedly checking locks and investigating noises, and waking up multiple times throughout the night at the slightest sound.
16. Hypervigilance
Constantly feeling on edge, looking for potential dangers, or having an exaggerated startle response.
Signs of hypervigilance:
Constantly monitoring surroundings for threats
Startling easily at unexpected sounds or movements
Checking and rechecking for safety (locks, exits, etc.)
Sitting with your back to the wall in public places
Difficulty relaxing or feeling safe, even in secure environments
Example: A person who experienced an assault might constantly scan every environment they enter, check behind doors, plan escape routes, and remain unable to relax even in objectively safe situations like their secured home.
17. Concentration Problems
Difficulty focusing, completing tasks, or remembering information.
How concentration problems manifest:
Trouble following conversations or instructions
Needing to read the material multiple times
Losing track of tasks mid-completion
Increased mistakes in work or daily activities
Difficulty learning new information
Example: A student who previously excelled academically might find themselves repeatedly reading the same paragraph without comprehension or forgetting instructions moments after hearing them, following a traumatic experience.
Summary of Hyperarousal and Reactivity Symptoms
Key takeaway: These symptoms reflect your nervous system remaining in "danger mode" even when you're objectively safe.
Daily impact: The constant state of alertness is exhausting and can strain relationships, work performance, and physical health.
When to be concerned: Seek help when these symptoms consistently interfere with sleep, concentration, relationships, or when they lead to reckless or self-destructive behaviors.
Remember: These reactions are not character flaws but biological responses to trauma that can be addressed with targeted treatments.
PTSD Symptom Self-Assessment
Disclaimer: Chateau Health and Wellness does not collect, store, or distribute any information from this PTSD Symptoms Self-Assessment. This tool is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The results are not saved and should not be used as a basis for self-diagnosis. If you are experiencing distressing symptoms, seek guidance from a licensed mental health professional. Using this assessment does not establish a doctor-patient or therapist-client relationship with Chateau Health & Wellness.
How PTSD Affects Daily Life
PTSD reaches far beyond its immediate symptoms, affecting nearly every aspect of daily functioning:
Emotional Impact
Individuals with PTSD often experience co-occurring conditions like depression and generalized anxiety. The emotional toll can be overwhelming, with mood swings, emotional numbness, and difficulty experiencing joy.
Social Effects
Relationships frequently suffer because those with PTSD may withdraw from loved ones, struggle with trust, or have difficulty expressing emotions. Social isolation can become a severe problem, further limiting support systems.
Professional Challenges
Concentration problems, memory issues, and heightened stress responses can make work environments challenging. Many people with PTSD struggle with job performance or maintaining employment.
Health Consequences
The chronic stress of PTSD takes a physical toll. Research from the CDC shows that people with PTSD have higher rates of cardiovascular problems, immune system issues, and chronic pain.
Diagnosing PTSD: When to Seek Help
When to Consider Professional Help
Seeking professional help can be necessary and is completely okay. Consider seeking help when you have one or more of the following:
Your symptoms persist for more than one month
Your symptoms significantly interfere with daily functioning
You experience suicidal thoughts or engage in self-destructive behaviors
The difference between normal trauma response and PTSD often comes down to duration and severity. Most people experience stress after trauma that gradually improves, but post traumatic stress disorder symptoms persist or worsen over time.
If you do seek help a mental health professional will use one or more validated assessment tools to determine the severity and diagnose PTSD:
PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5): A 20-item self-report measure that assesses the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms
DSM-5 diagnostic criteria: Clinical guidelines used by professionals to diagnose PTSD
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5): The gold standard for PTSD assessment
Many reputable organizations, including the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Mayo Clinic, offer preliminary self-assessment tools.
Role of Mental Health Professionals
PTSD diagnosis and treatment require specialized knowledge. Look for:
Clinical psychologists with trauma-informed expertise
Psychiatrists who specialize in treating PTSD.
Licensed therapists with trauma-specific training
Early intervention significantly improves outcomes, with studies showing that treatment within three months can prevent chronic PTSD in many cases.
Treatment Options and Coping Strategies
Evidence-Based Psychotherapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns related to the trauma. According to the American Psychological Association, trauma-focused CBT has a 50-70% success rate in reducing PTSD symptoms.
Exposure Therapy: Gradually and safely helps you face trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations. This therapy works by reducing the power these memories have over your emotional responses.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) combines exposure therapy with guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to help the brain process traumatic memories differently.
Brainspotting (BSP): A relatively newer but effective therapy that helps identify and process trauma by focusing on specific eye positions that correlate with stored traumatic memories.
Medication Options
Several medications have FDA approval for treating PTSD:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine (Effexor)
Emerging Treatments
MDMA-Assisted Therapy: Currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, showing promising results for treatment-resistant PTSD
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB): A procedure that targets the nerve tissue connected to the fight-or-flight response
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy: Allows for controlled exposure to traumatic scenarios
While professional treatment is essential, several self-help strategies can support recovery:
While professional treatment is essential, several self-help strategies can support recovery:
Mindfulness Meditation: Research shows that regular mindfulness practices can reduce PTSD symptoms by helping regulate emotional responses. For guided sessions, try apps like Headspace or Calm.
Grounding Techniques: When experiencing flashbacks or dissociation, the 5-4-3-2-1 technique helps reconnect with the present by identifying:
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
Physical Activity and Nutrition: Regular exercise helps reduce stress hormones and improves mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. A balanced diet supports brain health and emotional regulation.
Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand PTSD can reduce isolation. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer both in-person and online support communities.
FAQs on PTSD Symptoms
Can PTSD symptoms appear years later?
Yes, delayed-onset PTSD can develop months or even years after the traumatic event. Sometimes, symptoms emerge when a person encounters new stressors or trauma reminders.
What's the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)?
While PTSD typically develops from a single traumatic event, Complex PTSD results from prolonged, repeated trauma (like ongoing abuse). C-PTSD includes the core symptoms of PTSD plus additional challenges with emotional regulation, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships.
How can I support someone with PTSD?
Listen without judgment, avoid pressuring them to talk about trauma, learn about their triggers, encourage professional help, and be patient with their recovery process. Simply being present and consistent can make a significant difference.
Can PTSD be cured?
Rather than "cured," PTSD is more accurately described as "effectively managed." With proper treatment, many people experience significant symptom reduction and improved quality of life. Some may no longer meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD after treatment.
Are PTSD symptoms the same for everyone?
No, PTSD manifests differently based on factors like the nature of the trauma, personal resilience, genetics, and available support systems. Children and adolescents may show different symptoms than adults, including re-enacting the trauma through play or regression in developmental skills.
Recovery is Possible
If you recognize several PTSD symptoms in yourself or a loved one, remember that effective treatments are available. PTSD is not a sign of weakness; it's a normal response to extremely stressful or traumatic circumstances.
Recovery is possible. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people with PTSD significantly reduce their symptoms and reclaim their lives. The journey isn't always linear, but each step forward matters.
If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, don't wait. Seek professional help today.
For over 13 years, Chateau Health & Wellness has been a trusted leader in residential treatment for mental health and addiction recovery. As one of the few centers recognized by the Fraternal Order of Police, Chateau is uniquely positioned to serve both first responders and the general public, addressing their distinct challenges with trauma and stress-related disorders.
Our multidisciplinary team includes licensed social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical professionals. We ensure that all treatment approaches are evidence-based and tailored to each individual’s needs.
The information shared in our blogs is backed by thorough research, professional insights, and decades of collective experience, reinforcing our commitment to educating and empowering our readers with credible and practical knowledge. Call today (435) 222-5225
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Sources & Expert Contributions
[1] VA.gov | Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp
[2] Kilpatrick, D. G., Resnick, H. S., Milanak, M. E., Miller, M. W., Keyes, K. M., & Friedman, M. J. (2013). National Estimates of Exposure to Traumatic Events and PTSD Prevalence UsingDSM-IVandDSM-5Criteria. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 26(5), 537–547. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21848
[3] First Responders and Disaster Responders Resource Portal. (n.d.). SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/technical-assistance/dtac/disaster-responders
[4] World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, May 27). Post-traumatic stress disorder. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/post-traumatic-stress-disorder
[5] Chekroud, A. M., Loho, H., Paulus, M., & Krystal, J. H. (2018). PTSD and the war of words. Chronic Stress, 2. https://doi.org/10.1177/2470547018767387
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About The Author
Zachary Wise, Trauma Recovery Advocate & Mental Health Educator
With eight years of experience in treatment and recovery. Combining professional expertise and personal experience, he helps individuals heal from trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. As a writer and speaker, he focuses on trauma-informed care, resilience, and holistic healing, empowering others with practical strategies for lasting recovery.
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