What it can feel like
- Flashbacks, nightmares or feeling as if the trauma is happening again.
- Avoiding reminders, places, people or conversations.
- Feeling numb, detached, guilty, angry or constantly alert.
- Sleep problems, concentration difficulties and being easily startled.
Why it can happen
- PTSD can follow events where someone felt intense fear, helplessness, threat, injury or horror.
- The brain and body may keep trying to protect you after the danger has passed.
What can help
- Ground yourself in the present: say where you are, today's date and one thing that proves you are here now.
- Avoid forcing yourself to relive details before you have support.
- Trauma-focused therapy can help people process what happened at a safer pace.
- Seek urgent support if symptoms come with self-harm thoughts, violence risk or feeling unable to stay safe.
Free support options
- Speak with a GP about trauma support and NHS mental health services.
- Use trusted trauma information and local support services.
Important note
This guide is for education and signposting. It cannot diagnose you or replace care from a qualified professional. If you feel at risk, seek urgent local help.