June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and supporting those living with it. PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. But research consistently shows that women are disproportionately affected.
Trauma Is More Common Than You Think
It’s a misconception that trauma is rare or only experienced in extreme situations. In reality, about 60% of men and 50% of women will go through at least one traumatic event in their lives. These experiences can range from accidents and natural disasters to assault, abuse, or the sudden loss of a loved one.
Yet not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. For reasons researchers continue to explore, a smaller subset of people go on to develop lasting psychological symptoms that interfere with daily life. In the U.S. alone, approximately eight million adults live with PTSD each year.
Recognising the Signs of PTSD
PTSD symptoms can appear within weeks of a traumatic experience—or sometimes not for years. They generally fall into four categories:
- Intrusive memories: Flashbacks, nightmares, and distressing thoughts can surface unexpectedly, triggered by sights, sounds, or smells that remind the person of the trauma.
- Avoidance: People with PTSD may steer clear of anything that reminds them of the trauma, from specific places and people to conversations or news coverage. Over time, this can lead to social withdrawal and isolation.
- Negative changes in thinking and mood: These can include persistent feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, or emotional numbness. In some cases, suicidal thoughts may emerge.
- Changes in behaviour or reactions: A person might appear more irritable, angry, or hypervigilant. Sleep disturbances, trouble concentrating, or reckless behaviour are also common.
Why PTSD Is More Common in Women
Although both men and women can develop PTSD, studies have shown that women are twice as likely to be affected. Approximately 1 in 10 women will experience PTSD at some point, compared to about 1 in 25 men.
So why the difference?
- Types of Trauma Matter
While men are more likely to face traumas like combat, accidents, or physical attacks, women are statistically more likely to experience sexual assault, domestic abuse, and childhood sexual abuse—types of trauma that carry a significantly higher risk of leading to PTSD.
For instance, 91% of sexual assault victims are women, and around 20% of women will be raped during their lifetime. One study found that 94% of women showed PTSD symptoms within two weeks of a sexual assault.
- Cultural Pressures and Gender Roles
In societies that emphasize traditional gender roles—where men are seen as dominant and women as submissive—women may feel more emotionally vulnerable and less empowered to speak out. This cultural backdrop can amplify feelings of helplessness and shame, both of which are strongly linked to PTSD.
- Differences in Coping Mechanisms
Biological and social differences also play a role. While men are more likely to respond to danger with a “fight or flight” approach, women are often observed to adopt a “tend and befriend” strategy—seeking comfort in relationships and caring for others. If their support networks fail or relationships break down, women may feel especially vulnerable and isolated, increasing the risk of PTSD.
The good news? PTSD is treatable. Therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), trauma-informed counselling, and psychodrama therapy have shown remarkable results in helping people heal and reclaim their lives.
If someone you know is showing signs of PTSD, don’t dismiss it or attribute it to gender-based expectations. Be supportive, listen without judgment, and encourage them to seek help. Understanding the gender gap in PTSD is just one step in creating a more compassionate and informed world—where no one has to face trauma or recovery alone.
