Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after a frightening, life-threatening or deeply distressing event. It brings flashbacks, nightmares, being constantly on guard, and avoiding reminders, lasting more than a month. It is treatable with trauma-focused therapy, and recovery is possible.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I keep reliving what happened”
- “I have nightmares and flashbacks”
- “I jump at sudden sounds”
- “I avoid anything that reminds me of it”
People who live with post-traumatic stress disorder may also notice depression, sleep problems or substance use. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if you feel unsafe, you are using alcohol or other substances to cope, or you have thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks about the event only as much as you choose to share, then about symptoms, sleep, mood and daily life. You do not have to retell everything in the first session.
Treatment and support
- Trauma-focused CBT, a structured therapy for processing memories
- EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing)
- Prolonged exposure therapy and narrative exposure therapy
- Skills for sleep, grounding and calming
- Treating related depression, anxiety or substance use
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists start with safety and stabilisation, then agree a therapy approach at a pace you choose. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist lets you share only as much as you are ready to. The first step is to understand your symptoms and what keeps you safe and steady.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist work together, using trauma-focused therapy when you are ready for it.
Between sessions
Reviews go at your pace, and safety and sleep are checked at every step.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour 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
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a trauma therapy in which you recall a memory while following guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. It is one of several recommended treatments.
Can PTSD be fully treated?
Many people recover or improve a great deal with trauma-focused therapy. Time and support matter.
Do I have to talk about what happened?
Not straight away. Therapy begins with safety and skills.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry
Dr. Dhritiman DasCo-Founder & Head of Community, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Ms. Liji VijayanClinical Psychologist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.