Do I Have PTSD or Trauma? Our Quiz and Thoughts

This page and quiz are for general self-reflection only, and are not a diagnostic tool. Only a qualified psychologist, psychiatrist or GP can diagnose PTSD or a trauma-related condition. If you're in crisis or need to talk to someone right now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7), or 000 in an emergency.

People land on this page for a lot of different reasons. Sometimes it's a specific memory that keeps resurfacing. Sometimes it's a friend or partner gently pointing out a pattern. Sometimes it's simply not feeling like yourself since something difficult happened, without quite knowing why.

Whatever brought you here, this page won't tell you whether you have PTSD. What it can offer is a gentle starting point, some common reactions to reflect on, and a reminder that support exists whether or not any of this fits.

Why this is hard to sit with

It's common to downplay what happened, telling yourself it "wasn't that bad" or that other people have been through worse. Avoidance, of the memory, the feelings, even the question itself, is itself a very normal reaction to a difficult experience. That doesn't mean what you're noticing isn't worth paying attention to.

Common reactions worth paying attention to

These are common human reactions to a difficult or overwhelming experience, not a checklist for diagnosis.

Feeling constantly on edge

Easily startled, or braced for something to go wrong, even when nothing obviously is.

Avoiding reminders

Steering away from people, places or situations connected to what happened, sometimes without fully realising you're doing it.

Trouble sleeping or concentrating

Restless nights, distressing dreams, or a mind that feels foggy and hard to focus.

Feeling numb or disconnected

A sense of distance from people around you, or from your own emotions.

Intrusive memories

The experience replaying itself without you choosing to think about it, sometimes triggered by a sound, smell or place.

Still Not Sure? You're Not Alone

However you answered, this quiz is a prompt for reflection, not a verdict. Only a psychologist, psychiatrist or GP can assess whether you're experiencing PTSD or a trauma-related condition. Whatever came up for you while answering, know that it's common to feel unsettled going through questions like these, and that's a normal response, not a sign that something's wrong with how you're processing it.

A trauma-informed counsellor can help you explore what you're noticing, in a space that moves at your pace, without needing you to have all the details figured out first. You don't need a clear story or a diagnosis to start. You just need to feel ready to talk to someone.

How Trauma Counselling Can Help

Life Supports can help you process difficult or overwhelming experiences in a safe, non-judgemental space, at a pace that feels right for you. This might look like working through intrusive memories, understanding reactions like feeling constantly on edge or emotionally numb, rebuilding a sense of safety and trust, or simply having somewhere to put down what you've been carrying alone. Your counsellor won't push you to share more than you're ready to. Their role is to help you feel supported as you work through it, whatever that looks like for you.

Life Supports can match you with a trauma-informed counsellor who's a genuine fit for what you're going through, not just the nearest available option.

If you're interested in learning more about trauma counselling or would like to organise a session, call 1300 735 030 or leave us an email via our contact page. We're available 7 days a week.