Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic or life-threatening event, such as combat, natural disasters, sexual or physical assault, or a serious accident. There is no one-size-fits-all symptom and the degree to which people are affected by traumatic events varies widely.

Types of PTSD

There are a few types of PTSD. Chronic PTSD is generally considered to be PTSD that has symptoms that last for three months or more, whereas complex PTSD is often considered to be a separate disorder.

Symptoms of PTSD

People with PTSD may experience symptoms such as:

• Intrusive thoughts or memories: These can include flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing memories that can feel as though you are reliving the traumatic event. This can make them feel helpless or guilty, and sometimes disassociation episodes can occur.
• Avoidance: People with PTSD may try to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma, including places, people, or activities. Avoidance can take many forms, such as working extremely long hours to avoid thinking about some issues, excessive sleeping, and/or drug use.
• Hyperarousal: This can include feeling irritable, easily startled, or having difficulty sleeping. Individuals with PTSD may also experience hypervigilance, where they are constantly on high alert, scanning their environment for potential threats.
• Anger: Many who suffer from PTSD can have severe anger issues or are easily irritated.
• Negative mood and cognition: This can include feelings of guilt or shame, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and difficulty concentrating or remembering things.

Common triggers can include, but are not limited to: noise (loud bass noise), crowds (tight constricted, no way out), lights (especially strobing or flashing). Even smells or anything that reminds parts of the brain of the traumatic event.

PTSD & Kink

Limits can be important for those with PTSD and should be respected and obeyed. Many people with PTSD may have a panic attack, flashback, or get violent if a kink activity comes too close to an established limit or boundary.

PTSD & Sex

If the PTSD occurred from being raped or sexually or emotionally abused the survivor can still love sex and kink, but they may need additional communication or monitoring from their partner. There may be some things that can still trigger a horrid flashback for the person.

PTSD & Relationships

Partner(s) of a person with PTSD may not fully understand the feelings associated with their trauma(s), usually due to the difficulty a person has with explaining, articulating or just opening up about their trauma(s). Being supportive and patient are essential to maintain a healthy relationship.

It's typically quite difficult for someone to be aware of all the things that may trigger them, much less listing and explaining them. Therefore, partner(s) of a person living with PTSD should always be as understanding as possible. Be aware that it's not an exact science when it comes to avoiding triggers or comforting their partner during/after an episode

Honesty can also be a critical factor when your partner suffers from PTSD (being dishonest, withholding information, secrecy or being untrustworthy can and will do more harm than good and will likely exasperate your partner's condition by validating their distrust/paranoia)

PTSD & Identity

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Resources

• Go to the nearest Emergency Room for immediate medical attention.
• Call your national emergency line (e.g: 911) if you need police, fire or emergency medical assistance.

United States

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text 988 to speak to a trained crisis counselor who can help with mental health-related distress. You can also call if you are concerned about someone else.
• National Mental Health Hotline: 1-866-903-3787
• Veteran's PTSD Hotlines