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The Signs of PTSD in Everyday Life.

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On November 27, 2025
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The Signs of PTSD in Everyday Life

By Jennifer Marcenelle, MBA, BSN, RN, HBN-BC

While PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is often associated with military veterans, it affects many individuals who have never experienced war. In fact, most people living with PTSD may not even realize they have it. Left unaddressed, PTSD can significantly impair one’s ability to make constructive life changes and maintain well-being. In my work with clients, I frequently observe how PTSD symptoms subtly permeate daily life, adding to the burdens individuals carry as they work toward self-improvement.

As a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse and Holistic Health Practitioner, I believe that achieving a better quality of life—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—requires understanding both the anxieties and depression a person experiences, along with the underlying circumstances that exacerbate them. This article is intended to help readers recognize signs of PTSD in their daily lives and empower them to seek help for unaddressed trauma.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a psychiatric condition that can develop after an individual experiences a traumatic event. Normally, our experiences are processed in real time. When events are overwhelming, they may be stored as unprocessed fragments of memory, which can resurface later as vivid recollections—sometimes including sights, sounds, smells, and physical sensations. Brain imaging studies confirm that PTSD can result in physical changes to brain structure.

Although first recognized in war veterans, PTSD can result from any trauma severe enough to overwhelm a person’s coping mechanisms. Examples include:

  • Near-death experiences

  • Domestic or interpersonal violence

  • Sexual assault

  • Childhood trauma

  • Memories of war or political unrest

  • Bullying

  • Natural disasters

  • Witnessing violence

  • Legal trauma, such as lawsuits or divorce

Severe, prolonged trauma—particularly during childhood—can lead to complex PTSD (c-PTSD), a more pervasive and life-altering form of the disorder. Experts estimate that PTSD affects roughly 3.5% of adults annually, with women twice as likely to experience it.

Silent Suffering with PTSD

PTSD can manifest subtly. Estimates suggest that six in 100 people will experience PTSD due to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Trauma impacts individuals differently—some may develop PTSD, while others exposed to similar events may not.

It is crucial to remember: developing PTSD is not a sign of weakness. PTSD can emerge gradually, with symptoms often becoming apparent only years after the trauma.

Some subtle yet telling signs of PTSD include challenges with interpersonal relationships, daily routines, and emotional regulation. Clinicians often categorize PTSD symptoms into four main types:

1. Intrusive Thoughts

Stressful or unwanted thoughts can intrude at inappropriate times, disrupting daily life. These may take the form of:

  • Recurring anxious or fearful thoughts

  • Nightmares

  • Flashbacks that make you feel like you are re-living the trauma

2. Avoidance

Individuals may avoid people, places, or situations that trigger traumatic memories. Severe avoidance can manifest as:

  • Emotional numbing

  • Substance use (alcohol, drugs, sugar, vaping)

  • Behavioral avoidance, including reluctance to assert oneself in conflict

Avoidance is often a coping mechanism, but when it becomes pervasive, it can impair daily functioning.

3. Physical and Emotional Responses

PTSD may lead to self-destructive behaviors, including self-blame and neglect of physical health. Individuals may unconsciously sabotage themselves or their relationships.

4. Negative Changes in Mood or Cognition

PTSD frequently leads to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and difficulties forming healthy relationships. Mood and thought patterns can shift suddenly and unpredictably.

Treatment for PTSD

While PTSD can significantly impact life, effective treatments exist:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and restructures maladaptive thought patterns related to trauma.

  • Exposure Therapy: Uses safe simulations to help individuals confront and process traumatic memories.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Combines exposure therapy with guided eye movements to process trauma and alter behavioral responses.

  • Medication: Offers short-term relief, helping individuals regain the physical and emotional resources needed to engage in therapy.

Treatment can take time, and it is common for patients to experience temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement. Patience and professional guidance are essential.

Addressing PTSD with the Holistic Living Support Programâ„¢

As a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse, I provide complementary care that focuses not only on the mind but also on immediate well-being and long-term resilience. My Holistic Living Support Programâ„¢ incorporates:

  • Stress management techniques

  • Energy healing modalities

  • Spiritual care

  • Holistic wellness coaching

These approaches empower clients to regain control over their lives, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional, physical, and spiritual health.

If you are experiencing PTSD or c-PTSD, you are not alone. Relief, healing, and a healthier, happier life are possible. My clients have achieved it—and you can too.

References

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