17:00, 26 June 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
National PTSD Awareness Day is a timely reminder that trauma is not always visible, and that the way we respond to someone in distress can shape whether they feel safe, supported, or further overwhelmed. It is also a call to extend empathy where appropriate, and to offer a helping hand when the situation allows, often in simple, quiet ways that do not draw attention or add pressure.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event, often involving flashbacks, anxiety, and avoidance, while complex PTSD (C-PTSD) results from prolonged or repeated trauma and can also affect emotions, self-esteem, and relationships alongside similar core symptoms.
For many people living with these illnesses, a flashback or trauma response can feel sudden and disorientating. And for those witnessing it, uncertainty is common. What should you say? Should you intervene? Or would doing too much make things worse?
As Jacqui Suttie MBE, Founder and CEO of PTSD UK, explains:
When someone is having a flashback or a trauma response, the most helpful thing you can do is stay calm and not crowd them. You don't need to fix anything or find the perfect words. Speaking gently, giving them space, and quietly letting them know they're safe and that you're there can make a real difference.
The biggest thing to remember is that everyone is different, so rather than assuming what someone needs, it's always best to ask — what helps one person might not help the next, and what helps someone one day might not help them the following week.
Her message captures a central truth: support is not about control or correction, but about presence, patience, and respecting the individual in front of you. Here are a few general tips on how to support someone experiencing a trauma response:
At home, familiarity can be both grounding and complicated. Loved ones may want to “fix” what is happening, but often the most supportive response is gentleness without pressure.
Resources from PTSD UK offer practical guidance on supporting family and friends through trauma responses, including how to respond calmly and avoid overwhelming questions: Supporting someone with PTSD or C-PTSD
Periods such as holidays can also heighten distress, and additional advice is available here:
Dealing with PTSD over the holidays
In public, the same principles apply with even greater emphasis on boundaries. Keeping a calm tone, avoiding physical contact unless invited, and not drawing attention to the person can all help reduce distress.
Sometimes, the most appropriate intervention is subtle: remaining nearby, offering a quiet “Are you okay?”, or simply ensuring the person is not left isolated.
For moments when words are difficult or impossible, communication cards provided by PTSD UK can help individuals indicate what is happening and what support they need:
PTSD UK fold-out communication card and PTSD UK plastic communication card
Assistance dogs are used for more than just blind people and may also play an important role in supporting people with PTSD. However, they are working animals and should not be approached or distracted.
Alongside awareness efforts, PTSD UK is encouraging people to take part in its “Things I Need to Say” project, inviting individuals to write letters addressed to their PTSD or C-PTSD experiences. Submissions are open until 30th June.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
PTSD UK. This UK charity is dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of PTSD and C-PTSD. Through trusted information, practical resources and support for those affected and their loved ones, it works to ensure that no one faces trauma alone. Learn more here.
Give an Hour. This US charity provides free mental health support to military personnel, veterans, first responders and their families, including those living with PTSD. By connecting people with volunteer mental health professionals, it helps improve access to care and reduce stigma. Discover their work here.
Headington Institute. This international charity supports humanitarian aid workers and emergency responders who have experienced trauma while working in crisis settings. Through training, education and psychological support, it helps build resilience and promotes recovery from PTSD and other stress-related conditions. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
