PTSD: signs after a traumatic event
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a very frightening or life-threatening event. Signs include re-living the event through memories or nightmares, avoiding reminders, feeling constantly on edge and a change in mood. It is treatable, and trauma-focused therapy helps.
Last updated 2 November 2026
Re-living the event
- unwanted memories or flashbacks
- nightmares
- strong distress or physical reactions when reminded
Avoiding reminders
- staying away from places, people or conversations linked to the event
- trying not to think or talk about it
Feeling on edge
- being easily startled or always alert for danger
- trouble sleeping or concentrating
- irritability or anger
Changes in mood and thinking
- feeling numb or cut off from others
- persistent guilt, shame or fear
- losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Normal reaction or PTSD?
Many people feel shaken after a frightening event, and for most this eases over days or weeks. See a doctor if the symptoms last longer than a few weeks, get worse or affect daily life.
Treatment
Trauma-focused talking therapy is a main treatment, and medicine may help with symptoms such as low mood or poor sleep. A psychiatrist or psychologist can plan this with you.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.
How to start
- Call or message us. Reach us on +91 90352 54779 or WhatsApp. Tell us your language and a convenient time.
- Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
- Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.
Book your free pre-consultation call
Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Can PTSD start months after the event?
Yes. Symptoms can appear soon after a trauma or only after months or years.
Does everyone who goes through trauma get PTSD?
No. Many people recover with time and support, but some develop PTSD and need treatment.
Is PTSD treatable?
Yes. Trauma-focused therapy helps many people, and a clinician can also treat related low mood, anxiety and sleep problems.
Related
- PTSD
- Complex PTSD
- Trauma and stress disorders
- Grief or depression? Coping after a loss
- Trouble sleeping? Insomnia and what helps
Sources
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.