Coping With Trauma: Understanding Normal Responses vs. PTSD

About 70% of people experience trauma at some point, but only about 6% develop PTSD. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we help people throughout Gwinnett County understand their trauma responses and find healthy paths to healing.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma isn't just major events like combat or assault. It can include accidents, sudden loss, medical emergencies, witnessing violence, or even ongoing emotional abuse. Your experience of the event matters more than how others might classify it.

Normal Responses to Trauma

• Anger, fear, sadness, guilt, or numbness
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach upset
• Wanting to avoid reminders
• Feeling detached or overwhelmed

These responses typically improve over weeks to months.

When It Becomes PTSD

PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms persist beyond one month and significantly impair functioning. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD—seeking early support can reduce your risk.

Healthy Coping Strategies

• Talk through feelings with trusted people
• Write about your experiences
• Practice breathing techniques and mindfulness
• Maintain healthy sleep, exercise, and eating habits
• Allow yourself to feel emotions without judgment
• Help others in their healing when you're ready

When to Seek Help

If symptoms worsen instead of improving, interfere with work or relationships, or include thoughts of self-harm, professional help is essential.