“Do I Have PTSD? A Quick Self-Check Guide”
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Do I have PTSD?”, there’s a good reason that question is coming up.
You may be noticing anxiety that won’t go away, intrusive memories, or feeling constantly on edge. Maybe something happened recently—or maybe it was years ago—but it still feels close, like your body hasn’t moved on.
If you’ve been wondering whether your symptoms could be related to trauma, this checklist can help you better understand your experiences. This is not a diagnosis—but it can be a helpful first step.
PTSD Self-Check Checklist
In the past month, have you experienced:
Intrusive Symptoms
☐ Unwanted memories of a distressing event
☐ Nightmares related to past experiences
☐ Feeling like the event is happening again
Avoidance
☐ Avoiding certain people, places, or conversations
☐ Trying not to think or feel about what happened
Negative Thoughts & Beliefs
☐ “I am not safe”
☐ “It was my fault”
☐ “Something is wrong with me”
☐ Feeling disconnected or numb
Hypervigilance / Reactivity
☐ Feeling constantly on edge
☐ Easily startled
☐ Difficulty relaxing or sleeping
☐ Irritability or anger
Emotional Impact
☐ Anxiety or panic
☐ Shame or guilt
☐ Difficulty feeling joy or connection
Scoring Section
If you checked several of these, your nervous system may still be responding to unprocessed trauma.
Many of these symptoms are connected to how the brain stores traumatic experiences.
EMDR therapy helps process these memories so they no longer feel overwhelming or current.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
At Fairfield Counseling Center, we specialize in trauma treatment and EMDR therapy and can provide you with formal assessment and diagnosis. 👉 Schedule a consultation today
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know if I have PTSD?
Common signs of PTSD include intrusive memories, avoidance, negative beliefs about yourself or the world, feeling on edge, and emotional changes like anxiety or numbness. A licensed therapist can help assess your symptoms and determine if trauma treatment is appropriate.
Can PTSD go away on its own?
Some symptoms may lessen over time, but unresolved trauma often remains stored in the nervous system. Evidence-based treatments like EMDR therapy can help process trauma so symptoms fully resolve.
What is the most effective therapy for PTSD?
EMDR therapy is one of the most effective, research-supported treatments for PTSD. It helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel overwhelming or current.
Do I need a diagnosis to start trauma therapy?
No. You do not need a formal diagnosis to begin therapy. If you are experiencing distress related to past events, trauma therapy can help regardless of whether you meet full PTSD criteria.
How does EMDR therapy help with trauma?
EMDR therapy helps the brain process unprocessed memories so they are stored as past experiences rather than ongoing threats. This reduces emotional distress and shifts negative core beliefs into more adaptive ones.
Still wondering if you have PTSD? 🤔 👉 Talk to EMDR therapist or 👉 Send us a message below