Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Does a sound, smell or place suddenly pull you back into a terrible moment — as if it's happening again right now? PTSD can develop after an extremely threatening event such as an accident, assault, violence, disaster or sudden death of a loved one. The mind keeps reliving it, avoids reminders and stays on high alert for weeks or longer (ICD-11 6B40).
How common is it?
About 4 in 100 people develop PTSD at some point in life (WHO World Mental Health Surveys); rates are much higher among survivors of violence and first responders.
Who is at higher risk?
- Women
- Survivors of assault, abuse or domestic violence
- Police, armed forces, doctors and emergency staff
- People with past trauma
- Those with little support after the event
Signs & symptoms
- Reliving: flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive images with a racing heart or sweating
- Avoiding: places, people, conversations or thoughts linked to the event
- On alert: jumpy, easily startled, irritable, poor sleep and concentration
- Feelings: guilt, shame, numbness, feeling detached from others
What causes it?
During trauma, the brain's fear memory is stored in a raw, fragmented way and doesn't "file" properly as the past. Severity of the event, previous trauma, genetics and lack of support increase the risk.
How to know if you are struggling — you may relate if…
- It's been months, but I still see it when I close my eyes.
- I stopped driving or going to that area.
- I feel like I'm always waiting for something bad to happen.
How Mind Detox Centre helps
A safe, paced approach: assessment (PTSD Checklist), then stabilisation and grounding skills, then Trauma-Focused CBT and cognitive processing to help the memory settle and to heal beliefs like "It was my fault."
Prolonged Grief
Grief is love with nowhere to go. But when, 6 months or more after a death, the pain is as intense as the first week and life feels impossible to continue, it may be prolonged grief disorder (ICD-11 6B42).
How common is it?
About 1 in 10 bereaved adults; higher after sudden or violent death.
Who is at higher risk?
- Loss of a child or spouse
- Sudden, traumatic or COVID-related death
- Very close dependence on the person
- Past depression
- Little support
Signs & symptoms
Intense longing, difficulty accepting the death, guilt or anger, feeling life has no meaning, avoiding reminders or being unable to do daily tasks.
What causes it?
The loss is so painful that the mind cannot adjust to the new reality.
How to know if you are struggling — you may relate if…
- Everyone has moved on except me.
How Mind Detox Centre helps
Grief-focused therapy that helps you process the loss, honour the bond and slowly re-engage with life.
Frequently asked questions
Can PTSD happen long after the event?
Yes. Symptoms usually start within weeks, but can appear months or even years later.
Do I have to talk about every detail of my trauma?
No. Therapy moves at your pace, and safety and coping skills come first.