Do I Have PTSD?: This PTSD Self Assessment Test Helps You Understand the Signs

You might not have the words for it, but something feels off. Maybe you’re reliving a moment you wish you could forget. Maybe you avoid certain places or people without fully understanding why. 

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Do I have PTSD?” this PTSD test will help you reflect on your experience, recognize potential signs of PTSD, and explore the support options available.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a deeply distressing or dangerous event. While PTSD is often associated with military combat or large-scale tragedies, it can also result from experiences like car accidents, abuse, serious illness, sudden loss, or repeated exposure to trauma over time.

When you go through a traumatic experience, your brain and body instinctively react to help you survive. For some people, those stress responses continue long after the event has passed. This can make everyday life feel unpredictable, exhausting, or unsafe. You might notice intense reactions to reminders of the trauma, difficulty connecting with others, or a persistent feeling of being “on edge.”

Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. But if your symptoms are affecting your relationships, your work, or your ability to feel present, it’s important to recognize that what you’re going through is valid, and it’s possible to get help.

PTSD doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. While some symptoms are intense and immediate, others can develop slowly or become part of your daily routine without you realizing it. Recognizing these signs is a key part of understanding how trauma may be affecting your life.

Re-experiencing the trauma

You may find yourself having vivid flashbacks or disturbing dreams related to the traumatic event. Even subtle reminders—like a sound, smell, or passing comment—can trigger strong emotional or physical reactions, making it feel like the experience is happening all over again.

Avoidance behaviors

Many people with PTSD try to avoid anything that might bring up painful memories. This might mean steering clear of certain places or people, avoiding conversations about the event, or even pushing the memories out of your mind entirely. Over time, avoidance can limit your ability to engage fully in your own life.

Mood and thinking changes

PTSD can affect how you see yourself, others, and the world. You might feel detached from the people around you or struggle to feel joy or connection. Feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, or emotional numbness are also common.

Hyperarousal and heightened reactivity

You may feel constantly alert, jumpy, or easily irritated. Sleep can become difficult, and it might feel like your nervous system is always in high gear. This state of hyperarousal can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increased anxiety over time.

Not all symptoms of PTSD are loud or disruptive. Some are quiet and internal. If these patterns sound familiar, it may be time to explore them more closely. Our “How to Know if You Have PTSD” quiz can help you, whether you have noticed the above symptoms or have been asking yourself, “Do I have PTSD?”

This PTSD self test is not a diagnosis, but it is a starting point. The following questions are designed to help you reflect on your experiences and symptoms. If several of these resonate with you, it may be time to consider speaking with a mental health professional.

1. Do you often relive a traumatic experience through memories, nightmares, or flashbacks?

Intrusive thoughts can feel like your mind is hijacked. You may find yourself replaying the same memory, waking up in a sweat from a recurring nightmare, or suddenly feeling like you’re back in the moment, even if nothing around you has changed.

2. Do certain places, people, or situations trigger anxiety, fear, or panic that feels hard to control?

You might notice your heart racing, your breathing changing, or a strong urge to escape when you’re around certain sounds, sights, or smells. These “triggers” don’t have to make logical sense—they just have to feel connected to your trauma.

3. Do you avoid talking about or thinking about a specific event because it feels too overwhelming?

Avoidance is one of the most common signs of PTSD. You may steer away from conversations, block out memories, or distract yourself with work, substances, or isolation to avoid facing the pain.

4. Have you noticed a shift in how you relate to others, such as feeling emotionally distant or disconnected?

Trauma can create invisible walls between you and the people you care about. You might feel like no one understands you or like you’re going through life on autopilot, even with people you love.

5. Do you feel constantly alert, tense, or on edge, even in safe situations?

This is known as hyperarousal. It can feel like you’re always waiting for something bad to happen, even when you’re at home, at work, or in otherwise calm environments. Your body may stay in fight-or-flight mode long after the threat is gone.

6. Do you have trouble falling or staying asleep due to racing thoughts or physical tension?

Sleep disruptions are common with PTSD. You may lie awake replaying events, reacting to sounds in the night, or waking up feeling unrested. Over time, lack of sleep only worsens anxiety and stress.

7. Do you feel numb or emotionally flat, as if you’re just going through the motions?

This emotional shutdown is your mind’s way of protecting you, but it can leave you feeling disconnected from joy, love, or even your own sense of identity.

8. Have you experienced intense feelings of guilt, shame, or anger related to something in your past?

Even when the trauma wasn’t your fault, you may blame yourself or struggle with self-judgment. These emotions can be persistent and difficult to process without support.

9. Do you find it hard to enjoy things that once brought you joy or comfort?

Whether it’s music, food, hobbies, or time with friends, PTSD can strip the color from things you used to love. This loss of interest, known as anhedonia, is often mistaken for depression alone.

10. Have you ever thought about seeking help for these feelings but felt unsure where to start?

Taking that first step is hard. You may worry about being judged or feel overwhelmed by the idea of opening up. But reaching out can make all the difference in beginning the healing process.

If several of the questions in the PTSD quiz stood out to you, it may be a sign that PTSD is affecting your daily life. These symptoms do not always appear in obvious ways. They might begin subtly with trouble sleeping, a shift in how you connect with others, or a persistent feeling of unease. It is easy to normalize these patterns, especially when they have been present for a long time, but that does not mean they should be ignored.

 Seeking help does not require a diagnosis or a breaking point. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Do I have PTSD?”, your journey may simply begin with acknowledging that what you are feeling is real and that support is available. A trauma-informed therapist can help you make sense of your experiences, recognize your triggers, and begin the process of healing. Recovery takes time, but reaching out is often the most important first step.

PTSD help centers like Neurish Wellness specialize in helping individuals heal from trauma disorders in a way that is personalized, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based care.

Whether you’re just starting to explore your symptoms or have been struggling for years, our team is here to support you with a treatment plan that fits your needs and pace.

Our luxury inpatient treatment center is designed for those who may need more structure and support. All of our services are led by experienced, trauma-informed clinicians who understand the complexities of PTSD and are committed to helping you feel safe, seen, and empowered throughout your healing process.