Dr. Ananya Rao
Adult Psychiatry
MD Psychiatry
Leads the inpatient psychiatric team, with a focus on mood and anxiety disorders.
Conditions · Trauma & PTSD
Trauma & PTSD
Trauma and PTSD can follow an event that overwhelmed your sense of safety. The mind and body keep reacting as if the danger is still here. With trauma-informed care, those reactions can settle.
PTSDComplex traumaAcute stress
What it can look like
Signs of trauma & ptsd
Not everyone experiences every sign, and intensity varies. If several of these sound familiar, an assessment is worth having.
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoiding reminders — places, people, conversations
- Feeling detached, numb or that the world is unsafe
- Being constantly on guard, jumpy or easily startled
- Irritability, anger or trouble concentrating
- Sleep problems and exhaustion
- Symptoms lasting more than a month and affecting daily life
Free self-check
Unsure what you are experiencing?
Take a two-minute reflection based on the signs above. It is private, and it is not a diagnosis.
7 short questions
A two-minute check-in on trauma & ptsd
You will see one question at a time. There are no right or wrong answers, and nothing is saved.
Understanding it
Types & presentations of trauma & ptsd
Acute trauma
Following a single distressing event such as an accident or assault.
Chronic trauma
From repeated exposure, for example ongoing abuse or violence.
Complex trauma
From prolonged, multiple experiences, often in childhood.
Acute stress reaction
Short-term distress in the first weeks after a traumatic event.
The Sakura approach
How we treat trauma & ptsd
Every plan is individual, but care generally moves through these stages.
- 01
Safety and stabilisation
A predictable environment and grounding skills come first, before processing.
- 02
Trauma-focused therapy
EMDR, CPT or trauma-focused CBT at a pace you set.
- 03
Symptom management
Sleep, nightmares and hyper-arousal addressed, with medication where it helps.
- 04
Rebuilding
Reconnecting with relationships, work and meaning at your own speed.
Care pathways
Pathways for trauma and PTSD
We begin with safety and stabilisation, and move to processing only when you are ready.
Single-event trauma and PTSD
Trauma-focused therapy
Evidence-based processing therapies delivered at a pace you set, in a predictable and safe setting.
Trauma memories remain 'stuck' in the present. Trauma-focused therapy helps the brain file them as past, once you have the grounding skills to tolerate the work.
- Grounding and stabilisation skills first
- EMDR, CPT or trauma-focused CBT
- Sleep and nightmare work
- Gradual return to avoided places and activities
People with PTSD from a defined event, with flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance or being constantly on edge.
Fewer intrusions and nightmares, reduced avoidance and a return to places and activities that felt unsafe.
Complex trauma, or PTSD with depression, substance use or high risk
Therapy + psychiatric care
A longer, phased programme combining therapy and medical care, with residential support when needed.
Complex trauma often comes with depression, substance use or safety concerns. A phased, medically supported programme addresses everything together and at a safe pace.
- Full psychiatric assessment and risk plan
- Medication for sleep, mood and hyper-arousal
- Phased trauma therapy with a stable team
- Co-occurring conditions treated together
People with long-standing or complex trauma, or PTSD alongside other conditions or higher risk.
Greater stability, safer coping and the ability to engage in deeper trauma work when ready.
Helping yourself between sessions
- Use grounding: name five things you can see, four you can hear
- Keep a predictable routine and safe sleeping space
- Move gently — walking or stretching regulates the body
- Go at your own pace; you need not share everything
If you are supporting someone you love
- Let them decide when and how much to talk
- Avoid surprising or startling them
- Believe them and avoid blame
- Be patient — healing is not linear
Where care happens
Choose the level of care that fits
Meet the specialists
The clinicians who will look after you
A named psychiatrist and therapist from day one.
Questions answered
Your questions about trauma & ptsd
Straight answers to what people and families ask us most.
Our care team is happy to talk it through — no obligation.
Yes. Therapy, medication and support restore daily functioning, and earlier care improves outcomes.
Yes — a recognised condition that develops after trauma and affects mood, memory and emotional regulation. It is not weakness.
Acute (single event), chronic (repeated exposure) and complex (prolonged, multiple experiences).
No. Good trauma care begins with safety and skills; processing happens only when you are ready.
Severe PTSD can occasionally include psychotic symptoms. Combined therapy and medication treat both.
It varies. Many people see meaningful change in weeks to months of structured therapy.
When to seek help
If memories, nightmares or on-edge feelings continue for more than a month, or are growing worse, please seek support.
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital. In India, the Tele MANAS helpline is 1-800-891-4416.