11 May Do I Have Stress or PTSD? Understanding Trauma
Do I Have Stress or PTSD?
Understanding Trauma in High-Functioning Individuals
Many high-achieving, outwardly successful people silently ask themselves: “Is this just stress, or something more?” The answer might be PTSD — and it can exist even if your life looks successful on the outside.
Why PTSD Is Often Missed in High Performers
PTSD doesn’t always look like flashbacks or breakdowns. It can show up as emotional numbness, hyper-productivity, irritability, or a sense of being constantly “on edge.” High performers often cope by staying busy (e.g. workaholism, people pleasing behaviours), in control, or avoiding feelings altogether — which can mask the underlying trauma. This leads to superficial relationships with others and a disconnection with self.
Stress vs. PTSD — What’s the Difference?
Stress tends to be temporary and situational. PTSD, however, lingers long after the danger is gone. Signs of PTSD can include:
- Recurring nightmares, sleep paralysis or intrusive memories
- Feelings of self-loathing and self-destructive behaviours
- Overreacting to minor triggers with emotional/angry outbursts
- Hypervigilance. Living in a constant state of anxiety and worry
- Feeling emotionally shut down or disconnected
- Difficulty sleeping or relaxing, even when things are “fine”
If this resonates, you’re not broken — you’re likely still wired for survival.
Things that can cause PTSD
Stress and trauma are subjective and personal to the individual, however some things that can cause it include;
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- Childhood trauma
- Death of a loved one
- Experiencing or witnessing any type of abuse
- Natural disasters
- Serious accidents
- Being a victim of assault (including rape)
- Childhood neglect
- Military trauma
- Exposure to traumatic events
- Witnessing a death or serious injury
- Life threatening illness or medical procedures
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What You Can Do
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- Stop overriding your nervous system – Busyness isn’t healing.
- Track what overwhelms you – Patterns reveal deeper trauma responses.
- Speak to your local doctor – To explore a diagnosis.
- Find trauma-informed support – Look for someone who understands the subconscious, like a hypnotherapist or somatic practitioner.
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I’m a hypnotherapist and offer EFT and Inner Child Healing. I’ve worked with public figures like Big Brother‘s Laura Carter, helping her process deep trauma and feel safe in herself again.
You don’t need a breakdown to justify getting help.
Start your healing:
Book your call with me here: https://calendly.com/rebeccadakin/
Or contact me directly here: https://rebeccadakin.com/contact-me/
More on stress here https://rebeccadakin.com/feeling-the-pressure