Feeling unsettled, anxious or on edge after a traumatic event is common, and for most people those reactions ease with time. A leading PTSD researcher says the key question is not whether symptoms appear, but how long they last.
Professor Alain Brunet, Director of the National PTSD Research Centre at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute, says responses such as nightmares, intrusive thoughts, being easily startled, difficulty concentrating, emotional withdrawal or avoidance are all expected in the weeks following trauma.
He says people should allow themselves time to recover, as most will gradually return to their usual level of functioning. The concern arises when symptoms persist.
If these experiences continue for several weeks without improvement, Professor Brunet says it may be time to seek professional advice. Duration, rather than the presence of symptoms alone, is often the clearest signal that further support is needed.
As a first step, he points to a free, confidential pre-diagnostic screening tool that helps individuals assess whether their experiences meet the threshold to consider a formal PTSD assessment. The tool does not replace a diagnosis, which still needs to be made by a qualified health professional such as a GP, but it can help people decide whether to seek help rather than dismiss ongoing distress.
PTSD diagnoses have been increasing in Australia, a trend linked to repeated exposure to natural disasters such as floods and bushfires, alongside major public incidents that affect entire communities. Professor Brunet says events of this kind can leave lasting psychological effects, even among people who were not directly involved.
He stresses that immediate responses after trauma should focus on safety, connection and acknowledgement. Taking time to process what has happened, checking in with loved ones and slowly returning to daily routines can support recovery. Collective acts such as memorial services or laying flowers may also help people make sense of shared loss.
The National PTSD Research Centre conducts research, clinical trials and community outreach, and provides resources for people experiencing trauma. Among its current work is research into Reconsolidation Therapy, a treatment approach developed by Professor Brunet that aims to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories.
While there is no cure for PTSD, he says this therapy has shown promising results in clinical trials, with some studies reporting meaningful improvement for a majority of participants after a small number of short sessions. The approach has also been taught to clinicians working with people affected by war in Ukraine.
Professor Brunet emphasises that early recognition and support can make a real difference. For many, symptoms will ease naturally, but for those who continue to struggle, seeking help sooner rather than later may prevent distress from becoming entrenched.
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