Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of overwhelming emotional responses that seem different from typical anxiety? Perhaps crowded places send you into a panic, certain sounds make you freeze, or specific situations trigger intense physical reactions that feel beyond your control. Maybe you've experienced something traumatic - whether recently or in the past - and now you're questioning whether your anxiety is actually something more.

Or perhaps you're struggling with constant worrying, racing thoughts, and a persistent sense of dread, but you're unsure if these feelings are connected to past experiences or if they're signs of general anxiety. As an online counsellor working with clients in the Reading area, I often help people navigate this confusion and understand the important distinctions between anxiety and PTSD.

Understanding the Differences

While anxiety and PTSD can share some symptoms, their origins and patterns differ significantly. Anxiety typically involves worry about future events, while PTSD is rooted in past trauma. This fundamental difference shapes how each condition manifests and affects daily life.

Is it PTSD?

PTSD involves specific trauma responses. You might experience flashbacks, where past trauma feels like it's happening now. Certain triggers can cause intense physical and emotional reactions that feel beyond your control. You might find yourself avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of the trauma.

Or is it Anxiety?

General anxiety typically involves broader worries about future events or situations. You might experience persistent worry about various aspects of life, from work performance to social situations. While these fears can be intense, they're usually not connected to a specific traumatic event.

When They Overlap

Both conditions can involve:

• Physical symptoms like racing heart and sweating
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling on edge

However, the context and triggers for these symptoms often differ. With PTSD, they're typically connected to specific trauma triggers, while anxiety symptoms may be more general or situation-specific.

Getting the Right Support

Understanding whether you're experiencing anxiety or PTSD is crucial because treatment approaches can differ. PTSD often requires trauma-specific interventions, while anxiety might respond better to other therapeutic approaches.

As a counsellor specialising in both anxiety and trauma, I understand how complex these experiences can be. If you're struggling to understand your symptoms and want clarity about what you're experiencing, I'm here to help.

Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a session. Together, we can explore your experiences and develop strategies that address your specific needs. Understanding the difference between anxiety and PTSD is the first step toward getting the right support for your journey to healing.