Trauma happens when an intensely distressing and/or frightening event is too overwhelming to process emotionally, leaving lasting feelings and reactions that disrupt and negatively affect everyday life.

BACP-accredited therapist and trauma specialist Dee Johnson describes trauma as “a wound to the brain,” explaining that essentially, “the brain cannot process the upsetting information.”

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a clinical diagnosis and a specific mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing extremely stressful, frightening, or distressing events. It’s characterised by recurring symptoms that persist for at least one month and significantly impair mental wellbeing.

What’s the difference between trauma and PTSD?  

The key difference between trauma and PTSD lies in how the experience affects a person over time and whether it develops into a diagnosable condition.

Trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response to a deeply distressing or overwhelming event. Many people experience trauma at some point in their lives, and responses can vary widely. For some, symptoms gradually reduce as the nervous system recovers, particularly with support, coping strategies, and a restored sense of safety.

PTSD, however, is a specific mental health diagnosis that may develop when the nervous system remains stuck in a state of threat. This can lead to symptoms such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, heightened alertness, mood changes, and difficulty functioning. To meet diagnostic criteria, these symptoms must persist for at least one month and significantly interfere with daily life.

Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD.

How to spot the signs?

Common signs and symptoms of trauma and PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, hallucinations, overthinking, hypervigilance, insomnia, emotional overreactions, and persistent negative or dark moods. Heightened irritability and anger - often fear-based responses that feel disproportionate to the situation - are also key indicators.

Other symptoms can include intrusive thoughts, emotional numbness (known as dissociation), self-loathing, loss of confidence, and avoidant behaviours.

Dee explains that individuals with PTSD may repeatedly relive the traumatic experience through intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks, and often experience feelings of isolation, irritability, and guilt. “They may struggle with sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, and have difficulty concentrating,” shares Dee. “These symptoms are typically severe and long-lasting enough to substantially interfere with day-to-day functioning and overall quality of life.”

What can you do to help you cope?  

Dee recommends first acknowledging what you’re experiencing: “There’s nothing shameful or weak about experiencing this. Don’t dismiss your symptoms or pretend that you’re fine.”

She encourages seeking help through therapy, support groups, talking with a trusted friend, journaling, or using creative outlets such as painting or drawing to express emotions. “Trauma diminishes our sense of self,” shares Dee, “so avoid using harsh or derogatory language about yourself.”

Dee also explains that following a traumatic event, it’s initially normal to experience distressing responses as the brain attempts to process what has happened. For some people, this processing does not resolve naturally and can develop into complex trauma or PTSD.

“Using substances such as alcohol or recreational drugs may initially block out traumatic thoughts,” says Dee, “but this actually prolongs and can worsen trauma, as these chemicals inhibit the brain from doing what it naturally needs to do.”

How can therapy help?

Therapy can help individuals make sense of what happened while providing tools to interrupt internalised, repetitive thoughts and emotional patterns. It also supports the brain’s natural ability to process trauma. Through therapy, people can develop healthier ways of responding to distressing memories, emotions, and triggers, helping to restore a sense of safety and control.

As Dee explains: “There are many different types of trauma therapy because we’re all different and need different approaches. If it feels too difficult to talk about the event itself, simply expressing your feelings can be helpful. Therapy can also teach coping strategies and help normalise what you are experiencing.”

To find a trauma or PTSD specialist to support you or a loved one, please visit our Therapy Directory.

If you have any comments or would like to share your story, please get in touch with us. 

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