It’s Kim on the blog, the founder of Dóchas Psychological in Spruce Grove, Alberta. June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day, so it felt like the right time to talk about a question that I hear often: clients who are unsure whether what they’ve experienced “counts” as trauma, or whether they might have PTSD. If you’ve found yourself ruminating on that question, you’re not alone.
In this blog, I’ll explain what PTSD is, how it’s diagnosed, and where some of the biggest misunderstandings show up. Read on or watch my video for more details!
What Does ‘Trauma’ Mean?
Trauma isn’t defined by a specific event, it’s defined by how your system responds. It’s what happens when something overwhelms your ability to cope in the moment. You might feel helpless, trapped, or shut down completely.
Most people are familiar with the idea of fight or flight. But I work with a lot of clients whose nervous systems have responded to an event with freeze or feign, where they went numb, dissociated, or felt unable to act. Those reactions can linger, and your body can feel lost in its ability to protect itself or recover.
Please remember that two people can go through the ‘same’ experience, but how each of them carries it will be deeply personal.
When Does Trauma Become PTSD?
Not every trauma leads to PTSD. For a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the symptoms need to last longer than a month and follow a specific pattern. There also has to be an ongoing perceived or actual threat.
PTSD symptoms generally show up in four areas:
- Intrusive symptoms: flashbacks, nightmares, or thoughts that show up uninvited and feel impossible to shut off.
- Avoidance: steering clear of people, places, or conversations that remind you of what happened.
- Changes in mood or thinking: low self-worth, persistent guilt or shame, trouble remembering details.
- Arousal and reactivity: feeling jumpy, irritable, hyperaware, or unable to sleep.
If those symptoms start to get in the way of your relationships, work, or daily life, it may point toward PTSD. But even if you don’t ‘check every box’, you can also be struggling in a very real way.
Other Trauma-Related Diagnoses
If you’ve gone down the online rabbit hole, you might have seen terms like these:
- Acute Stress Disorder: similar to PTSD, but happens within the first month after a trauma.
- Adjustment Disorder: emotional symptoms tied to a big change or life stressor (like a move or breakup).
- Complex PTSD: not officially in the DSM-5, but used by many clinicians to describe the impact of long-term or repeated trauma, especially in childhood. Complex PTSD can include everything listed above, plus added challenges with emotional regulation, self-worth, and feeling safe in relationships. If you have experienced relationship trauma, read my past blog for ways to start rebuilding trust and moving forward in your relationships.
You’re Not Alone
If you’re reading this and trying to figure out where you fit, whether what you’ve been through “counts” as traumatic, please know: you don’t have to figure it out alone.
There is so much nuance in these conversations, and a trained mental health professional can help you explore it in a safe, non-judgmental space. You deserve support and hope.
If you are looking for support, reach out to a mental health therapist here at Dóchas Psychological Services – 780-446-0300 or info@dochaspsych.com – we would be happy to work with you.
About Dóchas Psychological
Dóchas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dóchas we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Dóchas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs is meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.
