17: When the Past Won’t Stay in the Past (Symptoms & Diagnoses of PTSD)

In this episode, Amy and Brittney dig into PTSD: what actually qualifies for a diagnosis, how trauma can affect the brain and body, and why the symptoms can look very different from person to person.

They explore flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, dissociation, emotional numbness, and the difference between “big T” and “little t” trauma. Brittney also explains complex PTSD, how trauma symptoms can overlap with conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD, and how severe trauma can sometimes involve hallucinations and delusions.

Plus, they talk about the role attachment and support systems play in trauma, why the body can hold onto experiences even when our conscious memory doesn’t, and treatment approaches including EMDR, ego state therapy, CBT, and DBT.

They also discuss the fear that can come with starting trauma therapy, why healing sometimes means going slowly, and the vicarious trauma experienced by first responders, therapists, and others who regularly witness or hear about traumatic events.

As always, this conversation is for education and discussion and is not a substitute for individualized mental health care.

This episode was recorded on May 18, 2026 and released on September 9, 2026.

Chapter Markers

00:00 Intro

00:00:45 What Actually Qualifies as PTSD

00:02:48 Avoidance

00:12:21 When the Stress Response Stays On

00:16:37 Big T, Little T

00:18:33 Complex PTSD

00:20:20 Complex PTSD Overlaps

00:21:59 Dissociation & Disintegration

00:30:25 Hallucinations, Delusions & Trauma

00:34:02 Narrative Disruption

00:47: 56 Therapies That Work for Trauma

00:56:15 Finding the Right Trauma Therapist for You

00:58:12 One More Thing About Types of Attachment

01:03: 25 First Wrap Up

01:06:21 Helpers Need Help

01:11:36 Disclaimer and Credits

Crisis Text Line is a global nonprofit organization founded in 2013 that provides mental-health support through text messaging.

In the U.S., people can text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a live trained crisis counselor.

The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

They support people dealing with things like anxiety, loneliness, bullying, substance use, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.

Disclaimer

This Way In is a conversation about mental health and wellbeing, not a replacement for therapy. Listening does not create a therapist–client relationship. Please never delay, disregard, or change professional recommendations because of something you hear here.

Credits:

Co-Produced and Hosted by: Brittney Baxter Dameron and Amy Lotsberg

Production, Artwork, and Editing: Amy Lotsberg at Collected Sounds Media, LLC.

Theme song. “The Journey” by Melissa West and Mixed/Mastered by Pink Flamingo Home Studio

Thank you for listening, take care of yourselves. We’ll see you next time!