Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) doesn’t just affect emotions — it can also disrupt how your brain processes and stores memories. Many people living with PTSD report memory gaps, confusion about timelines, or trouble recalling details of traumatic events. But how exactly does trauma affect memory, and is memory loss a common part of PTSD?
This post explores the connection between trauma and memory, the science behind why memory lapses occur, and what you can do if PTSD is affecting your recall.
Understanding PTSD and Its Impact
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s often associated with military combat, accidents, assault, or natural disasters, but it can affect anyone who has gone through something deeply distressing.
People with PTSD may experience:
While these emotional and behavioural symptoms are widely recognised, cognitive symptoms like memory loss are less often discussed — yet they are a crucial part of the picture.
How Trauma Affects the Brain
To understand why PTSD can impact memory, it helps to know how trauma changes brain function.
When the brain perceives threat, it activates the fight-or-flight response, flooding the body with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. While useful in emergencies, repeated exposure to stress hormones can disrupt communication between key brain areas:
|
Brain Region |
Function |
Impact of Trauma |
|
Hippocampus |
Processes and stores memories |
Shrinks under chronic stress, reducing memory clarity |
|
Amygdala |
Detects danger and triggers fear |
Becomes overactive, making it harder to distinguish safe from unsafe situations |
|
Prefrontal Cortex |
Manages reasoning and decision-making |
Underactive, making it difficult to regulate thoughts and emotions |
These neurological changes explain why many people with PTSD experience fragmented or incomplete memories — the brain essentially struggles to file traumatic experiences correctly.
Can PTSD Really Cause Memory Loss?
Yes, PTSD can cause memory problems. Research shows that trauma affects both short-term (working) and long-term (episodic) memory.
According to the National Centre for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs), individuals with PTSD often report:
These aren’t signs of laziness or ageing — they’re neurobiological consequences of trauma. The brain, in its effort to protect you, sometimes suppresses or distorts memories to prevent overwhelming distress.
Types of Memory Problems Linked to PTSD
Memory difficulties associated with PTSD can take several forms:
1. Trauma-Related Amnesia
Some people can’t recall important details of the traumatic experience — a phenomenon known as dissociative amnesia. The mind may “block out” memories as a coping mechanism.
2. Fragmented or Vivid Memories
Others remember only fragments of the event — perhaps a smell, sound, or brief visual image. These fragments can resurface as flashbacks, which feel as if the event is happening again.
3. Everyday Forgetfulness
Beyond trauma-specific gaps, PTSD can cause general memory issues such as losing track of conversations, forgetting appointments, or struggling to focus on tasks. Constant hyperarousal drains mental energy, leaving less capacity for memory.
4. Time Distortion
PTSD can alter how people experience time. Events might feel out of sequence or blurred together, making it difficult to recall when something occurred.
Why Memory Loss Happens: The Science Explained
Trauma influences memory in complex ways. Here’s what’s happening inside the brain:
Can Memory Improve After PTSD Treatment?
The good news is that memory can improve with the right treatment and support. Studies have found that effective PTSD therapies help restore healthy brain function, particularly in the hippocampus.
Common evidence-based treatments include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals identify unhelpful thought patterns and manage anxiety, allowing them to process memories in a healthier way.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR involves recalling distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements). Over time, it helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and improving recall coherence.
Trauma-Focused Therapy
This therapy helps clients revisit traumatic experiences in a safe, controlled environment to integrate fragmented memories into a complete, manageable story.
Medication Support
In some cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist can help stabilise mood and improve concentration, indirectly supporting memory.
How to Support Memory and Healing
You can take practical steps to support your memory recovery while undergoing therapy.
Daily Habits That Help
Memory-Boosting Strategies
These simple strategies, paired with therapy, can gradually rebuild memory and restore focus.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you suspect PTSD is affecting your memory or daily functioning, it’s important to speak with a professional.
Signs that you may benefit from therapy include:
A qualified therapist or GP can assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options. Early intervention can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
You can also learn more about online therapy for PTSD and evidence-based treatment options on our website.
Final Thoughts
PTSD doesn’t just affect emotions — it reshapes the way your brain handles memory, often leaving people confused, forgetful, or disconnected from their own experiences. But memory loss linked to PTSD is not permanent or hopeless.
With therapy, support, and self-care, it’s entirely possible to retrain your brain, integrate your memories, and rebuild confidence in your ability to think clearly again. Healing may take time, but every small step — every regained memory — is progress toward peace of mind.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or psychological advice. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or reach Samaritans on 116 123.
When someone you care about is living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it can be difficult to know how best to help. You may see them withdraw, struggle to sleep, or react strongly to certain sounds or situations, and feel powerless to make things better.
The truth is, your support can make a world of difference. Understanding what PTSD is — and what it isn’t — is the first step in helping your loved one feel safe, heard, and hopeful again.
This guide explores practical ways to support someone with PTSD compassionately and effectively, without overwhelming yourself in the process.
Understanding PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as an accident, assault, disaster, or combat.
It’s normal to feel shaken after a distressing experience, but PTSD occurs when those feelings don’t fade and instead continue to disrupt daily life.
People with PTSD may re-experience the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, avoid reminders of the event, or feel constantly tense, anxious, or detached.
While PTSD can be distressing for both the person and their loved ones, with the right support and treatment, recovery is absolutely possible.
Recognising the Signs and Symptoms
PTSD can look different from person to person, but there are some common signs you might notice:
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms
Physical and Behavioural Symptoms
Not everyone with PTSD will talk about what they’re going through. You may need to be patient and observant to understand how trauma is affecting them.
How Trauma Affects the Brain and Behaviour
When someone experiences trauma, the brain shifts into survival mode. This floods the body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, helping them respond quickly to danger.
In people with PTSD, this response doesn’t switch off even after the danger has passed. The amygdala (which processes fear) remains overactive, while the hippocampus (which helps file memories properly) may shrink under prolonged stress.
As a result, traumatic memories can feel vivid, fragmented, or ever-present — as if the danger is happening all over again. Understanding this neurological process can help you respond with empathy rather than frustration.
Practical Ways to Support Someone with PTSD
Supporting someone with PTSD isn’t about “fixing” them — it’s about creating safety, trust, and understanding. Here’s how you can help:
1. Educate Yourself
Learn about PTSD from reputable sources like the NHS or the National Center for PTSD. The more you understand the condition, the better equipped you’ll be to offer meaningful support.
2. Listen Without Judgement
Let them share their thoughts and feelings in their own time. Avoid pushing for details or minimising their experience with phrases like “It could’ve been worse.”
Sometimes, the most supportive thing you can do is listen — truly listen — and validate their emotions.
3. Be Patient
Healing from trauma takes time. There will be good days and bad days. Progress isn’t always linear, and frustration (for both of you) is natural. Remind them — and yourself — that recovery is a journey, not a race.
4. Offer Practical Help
Simple acts of kindness can ease daily stress:
5. Create a Sense of Safety
PTSD often makes people feel unsafe, even in familiar environments. You can help by:
6. Encourage Healthy Coping Strategies
Support them in finding positive ways to manage anxiety, such as:
If they already have coping mechanisms, ask how you can help them stick to those habits.
Things to Avoid Saying or Doing
Even well-meaning comments can sometimes make things worse. Here are a few pitfalls to steer clear of:
Avoid Saying | Try Instead |
“Just forget about it.” | “I know it’s hard — take your time.” |
“Other people have it worse.” | “Your feelings are valid.” |
“You’re overreacting.” | “That sounds really difficult.” |
“You should move on.” | “I’m here for you whenever you need.” |
You don’t need to have all the answers — simply being there with empathy and respect goes a long way.
Encouraging Professional Help
While emotional support from loved ones is vital, PTSD usually requires professional treatment. Encourage them to seek therapy when they’re ready, but avoid forcing the issue.
You might say something like:
“I know this must be hard to cope with alone. There are professionals who can help you work through it when you feel ready.”
Effective, evidence-based treatments include:
If they’re unsure where to start, suggest speaking to their GP or exploring online therapy options from reputable services such as Talking Therapies UK.
Looking After Yourself as a Supporter
Supporting someone with PTSD can be emotionally draining. It’s essential to look after your own wellbeing too.
Tips for Protecting Your Energy:
Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself ensures you’re in a stronger position to support them.
Where to Find Help
There are many trusted sources of help and information available:
If your loved one is in crisis, encourage them to seek immediate help from a GP, call NHS 111, or go to A&E.
Final Thoughts
Supporting someone with PTSD takes patience, understanding, and empathy — but your role is incredibly meaningful. Simply showing that you care and that you’re there, without judgement, can help them feel less alone and more hopeful about recovery. You can’t erase their trauma, but you can walk beside them as they heal, offering stability, kindness, and belief in their ability to recover. Every small act of support helps rebuild a sense of safety — and for someone living with PTSD, that’s the foundation of healing.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or psychological advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, contact your GP, call NHS 111, or reach Samaritans on 116 123.
Access to mental healthcare in the United Kingdom is facing a perfect storm of unprecedented demand, rising costs, and logistical hurdles. As waiting lists grow and schedules become more demanding, a digital solution is proving to be a crucial lifeline for many: online therapy.
For decades, the model for psychotherapy has been the same: a weekly appointment in a therapist’s office. While effective, this traditional approach presents significant barriers in 2025. Today, a growing number of people are finding that the support they need is not down the street, but through a screen.
Several key challenges are making it harder for individuals to access consistent, quality mental health support.
1. The Accessibility Crisis & ‘Postcode Lottery’ Long waiting lists for NHS mental health services are a well-documented issue. Beyond that, access to private therapy is often a “postcode lottery.” Those living outside of major urban centres may find a limited selection of therapists, and virtually no specialists for specific issues like trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or particular forms of couples counselling.
2. The Rising Cost of Care The expense of private therapy can be prohibitive. The session fee is only part of the equation; clients must also factor in the cost of travel, childcare, and potentially taking unpaid time off work. These ancillary expenses can add up, making long-term therapy financially unsustainable for many.
3. The Persistence of Stigma While conversations around mental health have opened up considerably, a subtle stigma can still exist. The act of walking into a known therapist’s office can be a source of anxiety for some, preventing them from seeking help in the first place.
4. The Rigidity of Scheduling Traditional therapy appointments, typically held during 9-to-5 working hours, clash with the realities of modern life. For shift workers, parents, or those with demanding careers, committing to a fixed weekly slot at the same location is a major logistical challenge.
Online therapy directly addresses these modern problems by leveraging technology to create a more flexible, accessible, and discreet model of care.
Breaking Down Geographical Barriers The most significant advantage of online therapy is the removal of physical location as a barrier. A client in Liverpool can connect with a specialist in London or anywhere else in the country. This vastly widens the pool of available experts, reducing the search time and increasing the chances of finding a therapist who is the perfect fit for the client’s specific needs.
Greater Affordability and Value Online therapists often have lower overheads, as they don’t need to rent and maintain a physical office space. These savings can be passed on to the client, resulting in more competitive session fees. Furthermore, with no travel time or associated costs, the overall expense of therapy is significantly reduced, allowing clients to allocate their resources to accessing the best possible care.
Ensuring Privacy and Discretion Conducting therapy from the comfort and privacy of one’s own home removes the social anxiety that can be a barrier to seeking treatment. This level of discretion makes it easier for individuals to take the crucial first step in their mental health journey.
Unmatched Flexibility and Convenience Online therapy offers a range of appointment times that fit around complex schedules, including evenings and weekends. This flexibility is invaluable for those who cannot commit to a regular daytime appointment. It also provides continuity of care for individuals who travel for work or are otherwise unable to attend a session in person.
While it may not be the preferred choice for everyone, the evidence is clear: online therapy is at least as effective as face-to-face sessions for a wide range of common mental health issues. By tackling the core challenges of cost, access, and convenience head-on, it is proving to be an indispensable tool in making mental wellness a realistic goal for everyone, regardless of their location or lifestyle.
LIVERPOOL, UK – For 34-year-old marketing manager Mark, life had become a relentless cycle of pressure and anxiety. A demanding job, long hours, and the constant feeling of being overwhelmed were taking their toll. Like many professionals, he knew he needed support but couldn’t see how to fit traditional therapy into his hectic schedule. His story represents a growing number of individuals who are finding effective, life-changing support through the accessible and flexible model of online therapy.
Mark’s situation is a familiar one. His role involved tight deadlines and high stakes, blurring the lines between his work and personal life. “I was constantly ‘on’,” Mark recalls. “My mind would race with work worries late into the evening, and I found it impossible to switch off. It was affecting my sleep, my relationships, and my general sense of well-being. I felt like I was losing control.”
He considered seeking therapy, but the practicalities seemed insurmountable. “Finding a therapist nearby with appointments outside of my 9-to-6 schedule felt impossible,” he explains. “The thought of adding a commute to an appointment on top of my already long day was just another source of stress.” The very thing designed to help him felt like another burden.
A colleague mentioned trying online therapy, highlighting its convenience and flexibility. Intrigued, Mark explored his options and was surprised by the wide range of accredited therapists available online. He found a counsellor who specialised in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for work-related anxiety and offered evening appointments.
“The first session was a revelation,” Mark says. “I was in my own home, in a comfortable and private space. There was no travel, no stress. We connected via a secure video call, and within minutes, I felt at ease.”
The therapy focused on practical strategies to manage his anxiety. Mark and his therapist worked together to identify the negative thought patterns driving his stress. He learned CBT techniques to challenge these thoughts and reframe his perspective. They also developed practical tools for creating a healthier work-life balance, such as setting firm boundaries and incorporating mindfulness exercises into his day.
After three months of weekly online sessions, the transformation was significant.
Improved Mental Health: Mark’s anxiety levels dropped dramatically. He learned to manage stressful situations at work without becoming overwhelmed and was able to sleep soundly through the night for the first time in years.
Enhanced Professional Performance: By managing his anxiety, Mark found he was more focused, creative, and effective at his job. He was able to lead his team with confidence rather than stress.
Reclaimed Personal Life: Most importantly, Mark learned how to disconnect from work. “I can finally be present with my family and friends,” he shares. “Online therapy didn’t just help me cope; it gave me the tools to build a healthier, more balanced life.”
Mark’s case is a powerful testament to the efficacy of online therapy. It demonstrates that by removing logistical barriers, individuals who might otherwise go without support can access high-quality care that fits their life. His journey from burnout to breakthrough shows that effective mental health support is no longer confined to the four walls of an office—it’s accessible right where you are.
Manchester, UK – For Sarah, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Liverpool, the world had begun to shrink. What started as occasional worry had spiralled into persistent anxiety, making everyday situations feel like insurmountable obstacles. The vibrant city she once loved had become a source of fear, and her life was increasingly lived within the four walls of her flat.
Her story is a powerful illustration of how specialised, accessible therapy can help someone navigate their way back to a full and meaningful life.
Sarah’s difficulties began subtly but grew to dominate her existence. “A simple trip to the supermarket would set my heart pounding,” she explains. “The thought of being on a crowded bus or making small talk in a queue was terrifying. I started making excuses to avoid seeing friends and eventually began working exclusively from home. My world became very small and very lonely.”
She knew she needed help, but the very nature of her anxiety made seeking it feel impossible. The idea of travelling to a clinic, sitting in a waiting room, and speaking to a stranger face-to-face was overwhelming. “I felt completely stuck,” Sarah recalls. “The solution felt as scary as the problem.”
Feeling desperate, Sarah began searching for alternatives online and came across Talking Therapies UK. The emphasis on accessible, confidential, and professional online support immediately appealed to her.
“Making that first call was nerve-wracking, but the person I spoke to was incredibly calm and understanding,” she says. “There was no pressure. They just listened.”
This initial consultation was the turning point. After discussing her specific challenges, the team at Talking Therapies UK matched Sarah with a therapist who specialised in Panic Disorder and Social Anxiety. Crucially, the therapist offered sessions via secure video call, allowing Sarah to begin her journey from the safety and comfort of her own home.
Sarah’s therapy focused on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a practical, evidence-based approach perfect for treating anxiety. Her therapist didn’t just listen; she equipped Sarah with a toolkit for life.
“We started by understanding my thought patterns,” Sarah explains. “I learned to recognise the triggers for my panic and to challenge the catastrophic thoughts that fuelled my fear. It wasn’t about pretending the fear wasn’t there, but about learning to see it for what it was—a thought, not a fact.”
Through guided, gentle exposure exercises, Sarah began to confront the situations she had been avoiding. It started small: a short walk to the local shop, then a trip on the bus during off-peak hours. Her therapist was there every step of the way, providing support and strategies via their online sessions. “She gave me the confidence to take those small steps. Each tiny victory built on the last.”
Six months after her first session, Sarah’s life is unrecognisably different. The panic attacks have subsided, and she is equipped with the skills to manage her anxiety if it arises.
“I’m meeting friends in town again, I’ve joined a local art class, and I’m even taking the lead on a big project at work that requires client presentations,” she says with a smile. “These are things I thought were lost to me forever.”
The change goes beyond just managing her symptoms. The therapy has empowered her with a deeper understanding of herself and a renewed sense of resilience.
“Talking Therapies UK didn’t just help me get my old life back,” Sarah reflects. “They helped me build a new one, one where I’m not afraid to live. They gave me the tools to step out of the shadows and back into the sun.”
London, UK – For Ben, a 20-year-old engineering student, the dream of university had quickly become a source of intense pressure and isolation. The move to a new city, coupled with a demanding course load, left him feeling overwhelmed and struggling to keep up. His academic performance was suffering, and the social life he had hoped for felt completely out of reach.
His experience highlights a growing issue among students and demonstrates how discrete, flexible mental health support can be the key to navigating the challenges of higher education.
The transition to university life was more difficult than Ben had anticipated. “The workload was a huge step up from what I was used to,” he explains. “I felt like I was constantly behind, no matter how many hours I spent in the library. This constant stress made it impossible to relax or even think about making friends.”
Ben felt trapped in a cycle of anxiety and avoidance. The fear of failing made it difficult to start assignments, leading to procrastination, which only increased his stress. The university’s counselling services had a six-week waiting list, a delay he felt he couldn’t afford with exams looming.
“I felt completely alone,” Ben admits. “I was in a new city, living in halls, and didn’t want to worry my family back home. The idea of talking about it was scary, and I didn’t know where to turn for immediate help.”
Ben discovered Talking Therapies UK while searching online for mental health support options with shorter waiting times. The promise of a confidential, professional service that he could access from his own room was exactly what he needed.
“The privacy aspect was huge for me,” he says. “I could speak to someone without leaving my student flat, which made it feel much less daunting. They were also able to offer me an appointment that week, and in the evening, so it didn’t clash with my lectures.”
Ben was matched with a therapist who had experience helping young adults with academic anxiety and stress management. Using a secure video platform, they began to unpick the issues he was facing.
The therapy sessions provided Ben with practical strategies to manage his academic and social challenges. Using a blend of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and person-centred techniques, his therapist helped him to:
Challenge Perfectionism: Ben learned to recognise and challenge the unhelpful belief that anything less than a perfect grade was a failure. This allowed him to approach his work with a more balanced and realistic perspective.
Develop Coping Mechanisms: He was taught practical techniques for managing stress, such as mindfulness and structured problem-solving, which helped him break the cycle of procrastination.
Set Realistic Social Goals: They worked on building his social confidence by setting small, achievable goals, like joining a university society related to his interests.
The impact of the therapy was transformative. With a new toolkit of coping strategies, Ben’s academic performance improved significantly. He felt more in control of his workload and was able to meet deadlines without the crippling anxiety he had felt before.
He also joined the university’s hiking club, where he discovered a new passion and formed a close group of friends. For the first time, he felt a true sense of belonging.
“Talking Therapies UK gave me the support I needed, exactly when I needed it,” Ben reflects. “It wasn’t just about getting through my assignments; it was about learning how to manage pressure in a healthy way. I learned skills that will stay with me throughout my career and life. I finally feel like I’m not just surviving university, but actually thriving.”.
Our team comprises experienced and highly qualified therapists who are committed to helping you achieve your mental health goals.
Our team comprises experienced and highly qualified therapists who are committed to helping you achieve your mental health goals.
Our online therapy sessions make it easy to receive the support you need, no matter where you are located.
At Talking Therapies UK we are dedicated to helping you navigate your mental health journey with compassion and professionalism. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you.
Schedule your online therapy session with one of our experienced therapists at a time that suits you. Flexible evening and weekend appointments are available to accommodate your busy lifestyle.
