Educational orientation — not a diagnosis

Flashbacks, nightmares and feeling unsafe

After frightening or overwhelming events, the mind and body may remain on alert, avoid reminders or re-experience what happened.

Important safety note

Immediate danger, suicidal intent, violence, severe confusion, sudden loss of function or loss of contact with reality require urgent local emergency or medical support.

Open crisis guidance →

Common signs

What people may notice

Intrusive memories, nightmares or flashbacks
Avoiding people, places or conversations
Feeling numb, detached or guilty
Jumpiness, irritability or sleep problems
Strong physical reactions to reminders

Several possibilities

This pattern may be associated with

Acute stress response

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Complex trauma-related difficulties

Anxiety, depression or dissociation associated with trauma

This list is not exhaustive and does not establish a diagnosis.

When support may be useful

Look at persistence and impact

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Physical health and safety

What should not be overlooked

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Prepare for a useful consultation

Information worth noting

When it began and what was happening at the time.
Frequency, duration, triggers and what reduces or worsens it.
Sleep, appetite, energy, medicines, substances and medical conditions.
Effect on work, study, relationships and daily safety.

Clinical content principles

PRJI educational pages distinguish orientation from diagnosis, include physical-health cautions and direct urgent situations to local services. Content is informed by public mental-health information from WHO, NHS and NIMH and must be clinically reviewed before commercial launch.