Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
You don’t have to carry this alone
How does PTSD develop?
Experiencing or witnessing something traumatic can change the way you see the world — and yourself. If you’ve been struggling in the aftermath of something difficult, what you’re going through has a name, and there is genuine, effective support available.
PTSD and Trauma
Trauma is more common than many people realise. Research suggests that around 65% of Australians will experience or witness a traumatic event at some point in their lives — whether that’s an accident, assault, natural disaster, or something else entirely. Most people find a way through with time, but for a significant number, the impact lingers in ways that are hard to manage alone.
When distressing symptoms persist in the weeks following a traumatic event, this is known as Acute Stress Disorder. If those symptoms continue beyond two months, it becomes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Both are genuine psychological responses to overwhelming experiences — not signs of weakness, and not something you simply need to push through.
What you might be experiencing
PTSD and Acute Stress Disorder tend to show up in three main ways
In your thoughts
You might find yourself reliving the event — through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories that bring the distress flooding back as though it’s happening again. .
In your body
You might feel constantly on edge or anxious, even in situations that are objectively safe.
Some people also describe experiences of dissociation — a sense of having watched events from outside their own body, of time slowing or stopping, of gaps in their memory of what happened. These experiences can feel disorienting and strange, but they are recognised responses to trauma.
In your behaviour
And you might be going out of your way to avoid anything that reminds you of what happened — certain places, people, conversations, or even your own thoughts.
How PTSD might affect you
It’s also common for PTSD to affect other areas of life — making it harder to concentrate at work, creating tension in close relationships, or contributing to anxiety and depression. If any of this sounds familiar, please know that what you’re experiencing is treatable, and reaching out is a meaningful step.
A word on coping
It’s understandable to look for ways to manage the pain — but some of the most common strategies, like alcohol, withdrawing from others, or avoiding all reminders of the event, tend to offer short-term relief while making things harder in the long run. Seeking support sooner rather than later generally makes a real difference to recovery.
How We Can Help
At BlueSky Psychology, our experienced psychologists work regularly with people navigating trauma, and we follow the guidelines developed by the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health — the gold standard for trauma care in this country.
Support is carefully tailored to your individual needs and might include practical and emotional assistance in the early stages, a thorough assessment of how the trauma is affecting you, trauma-focused therapy that is strongly supported by research, and guidance around medication where relevant. We’ll also gently encourage a gradual return to your usual routines when the time is right, which research shows plays an important role in recovery.
Your Experience at BlueSky
You deserve care that meets you where you are. If you’re ready to take that step, we’re here. Book an appointment online or call us on 08 8212 3944. You’ll find us at Level 10, 108 King William Street, Adelaide.
Your Adelaide Psychologists
Our practice is dedicated to facilitating a safe container where you can explore your challenges and find your path to greater well-being. We have an experienced and diverse team who focus on establishing a safe and compassionate therapeutic alliance and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches for our counselling services. Treatment can be delivered in-person or via Telehealth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 signs of PTSD?
The five key signs are: (1) intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares about the trauma; (2) avoidance of reminders, places, or people associated with the event; (3) negative changes in thinking and mood, such as guilt, shame, or emotional numbness; (4) hyperarousal symptoms like being easily startled, difficulty sleeping, or irritability; and (5) significant distress or difficulty functioning in daily life.
How long after a traumatic event can PTSD develop?
PTSD symptoms can begin within weeks of a traumatic event, but for some people, symptoms may not appear until months or even years later (delayed-onset PTSD). Symptoms must persist for more than one month for a formal PTSD diagnosis. Early intervention generally leads to the best outcomes.
What is the best therapy for PTSD?
The most effective treatments are trauma-focused psychological therapies: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These approaches help you process traumatic memories and reduce their ongoing emotional impact. Medication may also be used alongside therapy.
Will I have to relive my trauma in therapy?
Trauma therapy involves working through traumatic memories, but this is done gradually, safely, and at a pace you control. Your psychologist ensures you feel supported throughout. The goal is to reduce the distress these memories cause — not to re-traumatise you.
Can PTSD go away on its own?
Some people experience a natural reduction in symptoms, especially with strong social support. However, for many people PTSD symptoms persist or worsen without professional help. Untreated PTSD can lead to depression, substance use, relationship difficulties, and chronic health problems. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes.
Can PTSD affect physical health?
Yes. PTSD is associated with cardiovascular problems, chronic pain, sleep disorders, weakened immunity, and gastrointestinal issues. The ongoing stress response takes a significant toll on the body, making treatment important for both mental and physical wellbeing.
How long does PTSD treatment take?
Many people experience significant improvement within 8 to 16 sessions of evidence-based trauma therapy. Complex PTSD — resulting from prolonged or repeated trauma — may require longer treatment. Your psychologist will tailor the approach to the nature and complexity of your experience.
Take the First Step
If post-traumatic stress is affecting your life, we’re here to help. Our central Adelaide location makes it easy to access the support you need.
Contact us today:
Phone: 08 8212 3944
Book online or call to speak with our team
BlueSky Psychology
Level 10, 108 King William Street
Adelaide, South Australia, 5000