Lesser-known PTSD signs go beyond flashbacks and nightmares, often appearing as subtle physical issues (chronic pain, fatigue, stomachaches, ringing ears), emotional numbness, difficulty with relationships/trust, self-destructive behaviors (recklessness, substance use), memory lapses, extreme irritability, and dissociation (feeling unreal or detached). These symptoms reflect the body's persistent "fight-or-flight" response, impacting daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being, often being misattributed to other conditions.
Unexpected physical symptoms of PTSD
Conclusion. Overall, PE, CPT and EMDR are the most highly recommended treatments for PTSD and have strong evidence bases. Components of these treatments have been combined with other interventions, with no support for improved benefits over the standard treatments alone.
The 10 Worst Things to Say to Someone with PTSD
The medications that have the FDA approval for treating PTSD are Zoloft (sertraline) and Paxil (paroxetine) which are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). And then there's one serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is Effexor (venlafaxine), and is recommended by the VA.
Common Triggers of PTSD
When our brain then recognises similarities between our present situation and our past trauma (e.g. a colour, smell or noise), it can activate the fight, flight, freeze, flop or friend response, even if we're not currently in danger.
Yelling can serve as a powerful trigger for individuals with PTSD, reigniting their traumatic memories and plunging them into a state of overwhelming distress. The aggressive and forceful nature of yelling can mimic the threatening and dangerous situations that caused their PTSD in the first place.
10 ways to relax when you have PTSD
Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), are effective treatments for PTSD. These therapies help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce trauma reactions.
EMDR therapy isn't for everyone; those with severe psychiatric instability (active psychosis, severe dissociation, suicidal ideation), active substance abuse, or very unstable living situations generally need stabilization first, while those with severe medical conditions or certain personality disorders may need significant adaptation or different treatment, as the intense emotional processing can be overwhelming without foundational coping skills or safety.
These triggers can be external, such as sights, sounds, smells, or locations that are associated with the trauma. They can also be internal, such as certain thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations that are similar to those experienced during the traumatic event.
Key Actions: Cut down on sugar and processed foods and replace them with more complex carbohydrates, such as wholegrain bread, porridge or brown rice. It is helpful to eat what is called a low Glycemic Load (GL) diet that avoids sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Symptoms of intrusive memories may include: Unwanted, distressing memories of a traumatic event that come back over and over again. Reliving a traumatic event as if it were happening again, also known as flashbacks. Upsetting dreams or nightmares about a traumatic event.
They may be impulsive, acting before they think. Aggressive behaviors also include complaining, "backstabbing," being late or doing a poor job on purpose, self-blame, or even self-injury. Many people with PTSD only use aggressive responses to threat.
Understanding the Nature of PTSD And CPTSD Meltdowns
Picture yourself standing next to a loved one, when their facial expression suddenly tightens. You can hear their breathing get shallow, and it feels like they've been pulled away from their normal state and away from you, even though they're right there.
Fawn: Appeasing to Stay Safe
The fawn response involves appeasing or placating the threat to reduce harm. It's often shaped by previous trauma, especially in survivors of child sexual abuse or those with complex PTSD.
Many people who have PTSD find their instinctive responses are extremely rapid and significantly exaggerated when triggered by certain sounds. The most common being a loud, unexpected noise. It's the sort of sound that would startle anyone.
A bottom-up therapeutic approach helps survivors acquire new coping skills to manage overwhelming emotions effectively. Without learning to safely experience and process feelings in the body, trauma cannot be fully addressed.
The highest form of PTSD is considered extreme PTSD, often manifesting as Complex PTSD. It involves chronic symptoms, emotional detachment, and deep psychological distress from prolonged trauma.
With flop trauma response, a person becomes physically or mentally unresponsive — sort of similar to how an animal will play dead when they feel threatened. Flopping potentially reduces the mental and/or physical impact of trauma.
abuse, including childhood or domestic abuse. exposure to traumatic events at work, including remote exposure. serious health problems, such as being admitted to intensive care. childbirth experiences, such as losing a baby.
Grounding techniques can help you stay in the present moment and reduce the intensity of your reaction. Mindfulness and meditation can also be beneficial in managing PTSD symptoms. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you understand and manage your triggers.
People with PTSD avoid situations, activities, thoughts or memories that remind them of the traumatic event(s). They may even avoid talking about the event(s) with their family or health care providers. People usually use these strategies to try to avoid distressing recollections.