Reliving It
Flashbacks, unwanted memories or feeling as if it's happening again.
Conditions · Trauma and PTSD
Painful memories, nightmares and feeling constantly on guard are understandable responses to what you've been through. Talk to qualified professionals, at your own pace, online or in person.
What happened to you is not who you are.
Understanding trauma
Trauma is the lasting effect of an experience that felt overwhelming or threatening. Strong reactions in the days and weeks afterwards are normal. When they don't ease, or start to shape your daily life, it may be post-traumatic stress, and support can help.
Many people live through at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.
How you reacted, then and now, is your mind and body trying to protect you.
With the right support, memories can lose their hold over time.
Signs and symptoms
You don't need a diagnosis to ask for help. If any of these feel familiar, we're here.
Flashbacks, unwanted memories or feeling as if it's happening again.
Staying away from places, people, conversations or thoughts linked to what happened.
Feeling jumpy, easily startled, tense or watchful for danger.
Feeling cut off, blaming yourself, or finding it hard to trust anyone.
Disturbing dreams, trouble falling asleep, or waking up on high alert.
A racing heart, sweating or nausea when something reminds you of the event.
These signs aren't a diagnosis. If you're thinking of harming yourself, call your local emergency number or Tele-MANAS (free, 24/7) at 14416 right away.
Safety first
If the harm is still happening, for example abuse or violence at home, your safety comes first. Therapy can wait. These services are free and can help you right away.
Get help now (India)
After a recent event
Get medical care for any injuries. Stay close to people you trust, keep to simple routines, and go easy on alcohol. Shock, tears, anger or numbness in the first few weeks are normal. If they don't ease after about a month, reach out.
Different forms
Not sure which describes you? You don't have to work it out alone. We'll help you understand it.
Reliving, avoidance and feeling on edge that last more than a month after an event.
The effect of repeated or long-lasting harm, such as ongoing abuse, often affecting trust and self-worth.
Painful experiences growing up that can still shape relationships and emotions in adulthood.
Distress from repeatedly hearing about or seeing others' trauma, common in healthcare and emergency work.
How we help
You stay in control of what you share and when. Medication is only suggested if it's clinically appropriate, and always discussed with you first.
Understand what you're experiencing and get personalised guidance, including a psychiatric assessment if it's needed.
Learn more →Trauma-focused approaches that start with feeling safe and grounded, then help you process memories at a pace that feels manageable.
Learn more →Caring support for grief, relationships, trust and rebuilding daily life after a difficult experience.
Learn more →Grounding and calming tools to help your body feel safer between sessions.
Learn more →Day to day
Gentle habits can support you alongside professional care. They're not a substitute for it.
Explore Tann aur MannWhen a memory pulls you back, name five things you can see and feel your feet on the floor.
Regular meals, sleep and small daily tasks can help your body feel safer.
Spend time with people who feel safe, even if you don't talk about what happened.
They can numb things for a while, but often make sleep, mood and memories harder.
Choose a psychiatrist or psychologist, online or in person. It only takes a few steps.
Talk openly in a private session. You don't have to share anything you're not ready to.
Therapy, counselling, medical guidance or self-care tools.
Follow-ups for as long as you find them helpful.
Free self-check
Take the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), a short, well-researched questionnaire. You get your score, what it means and a report you can share with a professional.
20 questions · about 5 minutes · private, scored on your device
A self-check is a screen, not a diagnosis.
FAQ
Not until you're ready, and only as much as you choose. The first sessions often focus on feeling safer and more in control day to day. You set the pace.
Any experience that felt overwhelming or threatening can be traumatic, such as an accident, violence, abuse, a disaster, a medical emergency or a sudden loss. What matters is how it affected you, not how it compares to anyone else's experience.
Yes. Some people notice effects straight away, and others months or years later, sometimes after a new stress or reminder. It's never too late to get support.
Yes. Trauma-focused therapies have strong research behind them, and many people find their symptoms ease and daily life feels more manageable with support.
Only if it's clinically appropriate, and we'll always discuss it with you first. Medication can help some people with sleep, anxiety or low mood alongside therapy.
Believe them, listen without pushing for details, and let them make their own choices. Help them feel safe, and gently encourage professional support. Look after yourself too.
No. If you're in danger, call 112. In a mental health crisis, call Tele-MANAS at 14416.
Get in touch
Book a consultation and we'll help you choose the right support.
InnerWhispers isn't an emergency service. In a crisis, call your local emergency number or Tele-MANAS at 14416.