A PTSD “episode”: often called a flashback, panic reaction, or acute stress response, doesn’t have a single fixed duration. It can last seconds, minutes, hours, or even days, depending on the person, the trigger, and whether they have coping tools or support.

Common Timeframes

Seconds to Minutes

• A sudden startle response (e.g., jumping at a loud noise) may peak in seconds and fade quickly.
• Brief intrusive thoughts or body sensations (like a racing heart) often pass within 5–10 minutes—especially with grounding techniques.

Minutes to an Hour

• A full flashback or panic attack typically lasts 10 to 60 minutes.
• Initial surge: 5–10 minutes of intense fear or dissociation
• Gradual return to present: 20–50 minutes of lingering anxiety or exhaustion
• Using calming strategies (deep breathing, cold water, grounding exercises) can shorten this significantly.

Hours to Days

• After a major trigger (e.g., anniversary of trauma, news event), someone may feel “on edge” for hours or days, with poor sleep, irritability, or emotional numbness.
• This isn’t one “episode” but a prolonged stress reaction that slowly eases with rest, safety, and support.

What Influences Duration?

• Whether the person recognizes it’s a flashback (awareness reduces panic)
• Access to coping tools (therapy skills, supportive people, safe space)
• Current stress levels (more stress = longer recovery)
• Substance use (alcohol or drugs often prolong distress)

When to Seek Help

If episodes:

• Happen frequently (daily or weekly)
• Last longer than a few hours regularly
• Lead to self-harm, dissociation, or inability to function
  …it’s a sign that trauma-focused therapy (like EMDR or CPT) is needed.

PTSD episodes feel endless in the moment,but they do pass. With practice, support, and treatment, their intensity and duration often shrink. You don’t have to wait for the storm to end. You can learn to find calm,even in the eye of it.