PTSD is a term many people have heard, but fewer people fully understand.
In Episode 59 of 3Spoonies, we were joined by wellbeing specialist Christine Spencer for a thoughtful and practical conversation about trauma, triggers, recovery and how PTSD can affect everyday life.
Find out more about Christine here.
This was an honest episode that balanced expert insight with real lived experiences.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, though some people prefer the term post-traumatic stress.
It can develop after experiencing or witnessing something traumatic. Importantly, trauma is personal. Two people can go through the same event and be affected very differently.
Christine explained that PTSD can also develop through repeated exposure to other people’s trauma, sometimes known as vicarious trauma.
That means it is not always about one dramatic event. It can build over time.
PTSD Can Come From Many Experiences
Many people still associate PTSD only with the armed forces, but the reality is much broader.
The episode explored how PTSD can develop after experiences such as:
- domestic abuse
- accidents
- medical trauma
- difficult childbirth experiences
- grief and bereavement
- victim shaming
- financial stress
- childhood adversity
- war and displacement
Trauma does not need to “look big enough” to matter.
Common Symptoms and Triggers
PTSD can affect everyone differently, but common experiences may include:
- anxiety
- depression
- flashbacks
- emotional outbursts
- feeling on edge
- avoiding reminders of the event
- strong reactions to words, places or situations
- difficulty coping day to day
Sometimes a single word, gesture or situation can trigger a memory and bring someone straight back into that emotional state.
PTSD vs CPTSD
We also discussed the difference between PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD).
While PTSD may follow a traumatic event, CPTSD is often linked with longer-term or repeated trauma and can have a deeper ongoing impact on daily life, relationships and emotional regulation.
It is a complex area, and proper professional support matters.
Why People Often Minimise Their Trauma
One of the most important moments in the episode was the discussion around people downplaying what happened to them.
Many people think:
- “Other people have had it worse.”
- “It wasn’t that bad.”
- “I should be over this by now.”
But pain is not a competition.
If something is affecting your work, relationships, sleep or wellbeing, it deserves attention and support.
How to Support Someone You’re Concerned About
Christine shared practical advice for checking in with someone who seems different from usual.
Instead of assuming or diagnosing, focus on what you have noticed.
For example:
- You don’t seem yourself lately
- I’ve noticed you seem more anxious than usual
- I’m concerned because this feels unlike you
- How are you really doing?
Gentle curiosity often works better than pressure.
Helpful Coping Tools
The episode also touched on strategies that can help some people manage trauma responses, including:
- therapy
- coaching
- journaling
- walking
- quiet reflection
- recognising triggers
- building self-awareness
- asking for support sooner rather than later
Different tools work for different people.
Final Thoughts
This episode was compassionate, informative and incredibly relatable.
PTSD is more common and more complex than many people realise. But healing is possible, support exists, and understanding can make a huge difference.
Whether you are living with trauma yourself or supporting someone else, this conversation offered reassurance and practical next steps.
Find out more about Christine here.
Watch / Listen to Episode 59
Search 3Spoonies Episode 59 – PTSD on your podcast platforms. Or click here to see the main ones.
About 3Spoonies
3Spoonies is a podcast about life, disability, business and wellbeing — honest conversations from three hosts navigating the world with not enough spoons.
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