People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often go to great lengths to avoid anything that might remind them of the traumatic event(s) that caused their condition. This avoidance is one of the core symptom clusters of PTSD and serves as a way to reduce intense distress, even though it usually maintains or worsens the disorder over time.

Common things people with PTSD avoid include:

1. Triggers and reminders Places, people, objects, sounds, smells, dates, or situations linked to the trauma (e.g., a combat veteran avoiding fireworks, crowds, or driving under overpasses; a sexual assault survivor avoiding certain streets, clothing styles, or physical touch).
2. Conversations about the trauma Talking about what happened, answering questions, or even hearing others discuss similar topics.
3. Thoughts and feelings Many actively push away intrusive memories, deliberately distract themselves, or use substances (alcohol, drugs) to numb emotions such as fear, guilt, shame, or anger.
4. Activities they once enjoyed Hobbies, social events, exercise, sex, or travel may stop because they feel unsafe, overwhelming, or no longer bring pleasure (this is part of emotional numbing).
5. Intimacy and relationships Emotional detachment (“I feel dead inside”) can lead to avoiding closeness, vulnerability, or even everyday interactions.
6. Situations that feel uncontrollable or unpredictable Crowds, public transport, loud environments, new places, or anything perceived as potentially dangerous.

Avoidance provides short-term relief but prevents natural recovery and keeps the brain stuck in “danger mode.” Evidence-based treatments like Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and EMDR work specifically by helping people gradually and safely face these triggers instead of avoiding them, which reduces PTSD symptoms over time.

In short: people with PTSD avoid almost anything external or internal that might activate the memory of the trauma and the unbearable emotions tied to it.