The Hidden Signs of PTSD

PTSD Awareness Month is in June, which is a time dedicated to shedding light on a condition that affects millions but often goes undetected. When people think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they might picture flashbacks, panic attacks or extreme reactions to loud noises. However, many symptoms of PTSD are far more subtle and can be far easier to overlook.

In this blog, we explore some of the less obvious emotional and physical signs of PTSD that often go under the radar. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or someone you care about, recognising these early indicators can be a vital step towards support and recovery.

People with PTSD may go out of their way to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma, this could be places, people, conversations, or even specific emotions. From the outside, this might look like someone withdrawing from social plans, staying overly occupied with work, or appearing emotionally distant. It’s not always dramatic, it can present as someone simply ‘never having time’ or always finding an excuse to skip events.

A good night’s sleep becomes elusive for many dealing with PTSD. They might have nightmares, insomnia, or wake up frequently throughout the night. Over time, the exhaustion can appear as irritability, poor concentration, or lack of energy, symptoms that are often mistaken for burnout or general stress.

Hypervigilance is a constant state of being ‘on edge’ and is common in those living with PTSD. Sufferers may appear jumpy, easily startled, or overly alert to their environment. This heightened state of awareness can also be misread as generalised anxiety or simply of a ‘nervous disposition.’

Rather than feeling anxious or sad, some people with PTSD feel nothing at all. This emotionlessness is a way of coping with overwhelming stress. It can come across as indifference or detachment, someone who doesn’t seem to care about things they once loved, or who struggles to connect emotionally with others.

Outbursts of anger or irritability can be another hidden sign, especially if the person was previously calm or easy-going. It may seem disproportionate or random but often stems from a deep-rooted feeling of being unsafe or under threat, even when no danger is present.

PTSD doesn’t just affect the mind. It can manifest physically, through tension headaches, digestive issues, chronic pain, or general fatigue. These symptoms often go unexplained medically and can worsen over time without a clear connection to their emotional origin.

PTSD doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes, it hides in plain sight, in the friend who’s always tired, the colleague who’s increasingly withdrawn, or the loved one who snaps unexpectedly.

This PTSD Awareness Month, take a moment to learn more, listen closely, and check in with those around you. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help and hope. Speaking to a GP, a mental health professional, or reaching out to a support service can make a life-changing difference.

At BNSHE Consulting, we offer Mental Health First Aid Online training, to find out more, visit bnsheconsultancy.com/online-training.

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