What's the difference between PTSD and just being shaken up by something scary?

Being shaken up afterward is normal and usually eases within weeks. PTSD is when the distress doesn't ease and starts genuinely getting in the way of your life.

Why do I keep reliving it even though it's over?

Your brain hasn't finished processing what happened, so it keeps resurfacing in flashbacks, nightmares, or a body that stays on alert. This is how unprocessed trauma tends to behave until it's actually worked through.

Do I have to talk about the event in detail to get better?

No. You're never pushed to relive more than you're ready for. A lot of effective trauma work happens gradually, at a pace you're in control of.

Can PTSD develop from something other than combat or a major disaster?

Yes. Assault, abuse, a serious accident, a medical emergency, and other frightening or violent experiences can all lead to PTSD. It's not limited to any one type of event.

Will I always feel this way?

No. With the right treatment, most people see real and significant improvement. Many recover fully.

How long does treatment take?

There's no fixed timeline. It depends on what you went through and how you respond to treatment. Your plan will be adjusted as you go.

Anxiety & Trauma

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

When the past won't stay in the past.

Free Assessment Talk to a Coordinator

Reviewed by our clinical team · Updated October 2026

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What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition in which an individual experiences an event that can be traumatic. It may be something you experience or something that is witnessed by you. Distress may be felt by everyone. When the symptoms continue over time, that's when it becomes PTSD.

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Symptoms of PTSD

Flashbacks or feeling like the event is happening again.
Disturbing nightmares.
Staying away from places, people, or activities linked to the event.
Feeling emotionally numb or detached.
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Being easily startled or constantly "on guard".
Risk-taking or self-destructive behaviours.

Note: If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, call iCall at 9152987821, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 10pm, or go to your nearest emergency room.

Not sure if it's post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd)?

A short, confidential self-assessment can help you decide whether it’s time to talk to someone.

Take a free self-assessment

Causes of PTSD

PTSD can come from experiencing or witnessing something genuinely life-threatening or violent, as well as an accident, an assault, a disaster, combat, or abuse. Not everyone who goes through something like this develops PTSD. It comes down to a mix of things: how intense or prolonged the event was, whether you had support afterward, past experiences that made you more vulnerable, and how your particular brain and body process fear and memory. A lack of support right after the event tends to make it more likely to develop into PTSD.

Why treatment matters?

If left untreated, PTSD tends to keep costing you: real strain on relationships and work from avoidance and emotional distance, sleep that never really settles, a nervous system stuck on high alert, and a higher risk of depression, substance use, or self-harm developing alongside it. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, please call iCall at 9152987821, Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 10pm, or go to your nearest emergency room. Treatment helps you process what happened so it stops running your present.

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Our approach at Samarpan

We follow a structured, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approach to help you process what happened at your own pace.

Step 1

Personalised Assessments

We take the time to understand what you went through and how it's been affecting your life. This will help us build a plan that is about.

Step 2

Evidence-Based Therapies

We use therapy approaches built specifically for trauma. These help you process what happened and reduce how much it controls your present.

Step 3

Trauma-Informed Psychological Care

We move at your pace, with your safety and comfort always coming first. We never push you to deal more than you're ready for.

Step 4

Medical and Long-Term Support

Where it helps, we bring in psychiatric support for anxiety, sleep, or mood. If required, we stay with you well beyond the first few sessions.

How we can help

Services our team recommends for post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd) — every plan starts with a conversation.

Therapy for AdultsOne consistent therapist who knows your story, inside and outLearn more

Psychiatric ConsultationCareful evaluation and medication guidance, integrated with your careLearn more

Frequently asked questions

Not sure where to start?

A care coordinator can talk you through your options and help you book the right first appointment.

Message on WhatsApp Call +91 91360 32440

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Related conditions

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)When trauma has shaped how you see yourself and the worldLearn more AnxietyWhen your mind won't stop racingLearn more DepressionWhen everything feels heavy and nothing brings joyLearn more

Reaching out is the first step.

We are available at the clinic or online.

Free Assessment Talk to a Coordinator

In crisis or thinking about self-harm? Please contact iCall on 9152987821 — TISS · Mon–Sat, 8am–10pm.