Writing PTSD With Emotional Depth

Why Write About PTSD in Fiction?
Trauma adds depth and emotional stakes to a character’s journey. When characters face overwhelming mental struggles, readers rally behind them. Including PTSD in a backstory risks cliché unless you portray emotional consequences beyond occasional memories.

Updated July 2025

What Do Writers Get Wrong About PTSD?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been called shell shock and historically was lumped in with ‘hysteria’ for women. The labels are...