Search
When the Event is Over but the Effects Remain
Trauma can affect anyone. When people hear the term Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), they often think of combat veterans. While PTSD is common among veterans, trauma does not discriminate. It can affect people of any age, background or profession. Survivors of violence, accidents, medical emergencies, natural disasters, community violence, school shootings and other traumatic events may experience lasting effects long after the event itself has ended.
Healthcare workers, caregivers, first responders and others who witness trauma may also be affected. Whether the experience involves a single traumatic event or repeated exposure to stress, suffering, grief or loss, the effects can extend far beyond the moment itself.
In recognition of the Denver Health Trauma Survivors Fun Run, this is an opportunity to raise awareness about trauma, recovery and the support available to those who may be struggling.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a trauma-related mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury or violence. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. However, when symptoms persist for more than a month and begin affecting daily life, these symptoms may be signs that additional support is needed. Symptoms can appear soon after a traumatic event, but they may also emerge months or even years later.
Who Is at Risk?
PTSD can affect people of any age, gender or background. Traumatic experiences that may increase risk include:
• Military combat
• Physical or sexual assault
• Serious accidents
• Medical emergencies
• Natural disasters
• Community violence or school shootings
• Witnessing a death or serious injury
• Suicide or sudden loss of a loved one
• Childhood trauma
• Repeated exposure to traumatic events
Healthcare workers, first responders, caregivers and family members may also experience trauma through repeated exposure to suffering, emergencies, grief and loss.
Early and Later Symptoms
PTSD can affect people in different ways, including these early symptoms:
• Intrusive memories
• Nightmares
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling jumpy or easily startled
• Strong emotional reactions to reminders of the event
• Anxiety or panic
Over time, symptoms may also include:
• Emotional numbness
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Persistent guilt or self-blame
• Irritability or anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Avoidance of people, places or situations connected to the trauma
A key sign is that these symptoms begin interfering with daily life, relationships, work, school or overall well-being.
What Happens in the Brain and Nervous System?
Trauma affects more than emotions. It can affect the brain and nervous system. Research suggests that PTSD can change how the brain processes fear, stores memories and responds to perceived threats. The body's threat response system can become stuck in a state of high alert, even after the danger has passed.
In simple terms, the brain can begin treating safe cues as danger cues. For example, fireworks are often associated with celebrations. However, for someone who has experienced combat, gun violence, an explosion or another traumatic event, those same sounds may trigger fear, anxiety or memories connected to the original trauma. This helps explain why certain sounds, smells, anniversaries, places or experiences can trigger intense emotional or physical reactions long after a traumatic event has ended.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is a health condition involving real changes in how the brain and body respond to stress and danger.
How PTSD Can Affect Daily Life
PTSD can affect nearly every aspect of a person's life. Some people avoid situations that remind them of the trauma. Others struggle with sleep, concentration, relationships, work responsibilities or social activities. Feelings of isolation, anger, guilt or emotional detachment may become overwhelming.
People cope with trauma in different ways. Some may avoid reminders of the event, while others stay constantly busy to avoid difficult thoughts and emotions. Some people withdraw from family and friends, while others may turn to alcohol, substances, excessive work, gambling or other unhealthy coping behaviors in an effort to numb emotional pain. These responses are often attempts to regain a sense of control, avoid overwhelming emotions or cope with feelings of isolation and being misunderstood. While they may provide temporary relief, they can sometimes create additional challenges and delay healing.
Trauma can also affect physical health. Ongoing stress may contribute to sleep disturbances, headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, muscle tension, increased anxiety and difficulty concentrating. Over time, the effects of trauma can impact a person's overall well-being, relationships, and quality of life.
Because trauma can affect both mental and physical health, it is important to recognize symptoms early and seek support when needed.
Trauma Affects More Than Survivors
Trauma is not limited to those directly involved in an event. Healthcare workers, first responders, caregivers and loved ones may also experience emotional effects after witnessing suffering, medical emergencies, CPR, serious injuries or loss of life. These experiences can leave lasting impressions and are a reminder that trauma can affect both those who receive care and those who provide it. Everyone deserves support when facing trauma.
Treatment and Recovery
Recovery is possible. While healing looks different for everyone, many people experience meaningful improvement with appropriate treatment, support and time. Evidence-based therapies, appropriate medication and strong support systems can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include:
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Prolonged Exposure (PE)
• Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Medication when appropriate and prescribed by a healthcare provider
• Support groups and peer support programs
• Behavioral health services through a therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional
The goal is not to erase what happened. The goal is to help people process traumatic experiences, reduce symptoms and regain a sense of safety and control in their lives.
Supporting Someone With PTSD
If someone you care about is struggling, one of the most helpful things you can offer is patience and support, such as:
• Listening without judgment
• Avoiding pressure to talk before they are ready
• Encouraging professional support
• Respecting triggers and boundaries
• Offering practical help with appointments or daily tasks
• Helping build a broader support network
You do not need to have all the answers. Sometimes simply showing up and listening can make a meaningful difference.
When to Seek Help
Consider reaching out for support if symptoms:
• Last longer than one month
• Interfere with work, school or relationships
• Cause significant distress
• Lead to avoidance of daily activities
• Affect sleep or physical health
• Create concerns about safety
A good first step is speaking with your primary care provider, behavioral health professional or mental health specialist. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988 immediately or seek emergency medical care.
There Is Hope
Trauma can change how people experience the world, but it does not have to define the rest of their lives. With support, treatment, community and time, healing is possible. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength, self-awareness and hope. No one should have to carry trauma alone.