Most of us have heard of PTSD, and many have experienced it, but there are still misconceptions and stigma around the condition. Increasing our knowledge enables us to understand the condition and its impact on individuals.
Causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anyone can develop PTSD at any age, Any situation that a person finds traumatic can cause PTSD. You may be directly involved or witness these events. Sometimes, learning that a friend or family member experienced trauma can also cause PTSD.
Each of these events has the potential to trigger PTSD symptoms in those affected, as they can disrupt a person’s sense of safety, security, and well-being. These can include:
Combat, wars
Accidents, including traffic or falls
Violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging, abuse
Health problems
Childbirth experiences
Natural disasters, flooding, earthquake
PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event, or it can occur weeks, months or even years later.
It is estimated to affect about 1 in every 3 people who have a traumatic experience. While not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood. For example, people who have previously experienced trauma, particularly during childhood or adolescence, may be more susceptible to developing PTSD following subsequent traumatic events. This is because past traumas can sensitise the brain and nervous system, making a person more vulnerable to experiencing symptoms of PTSD in the face of new stressors.
Although mental ill health is not an exact science, some people may have many risk factors and not experience PTSD, while others may not have risk factors and experience PTSD. The human brain is complex; we are still learning and understanding the different impacts of trauma on individuals.
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder
People who repeatedly experience traumatic situations, such as severe neglect, abuse or violence, may be diagnosed with complex PTSD.
Complex PTSD can cause similar symptoms to PTSD and may not develop until years after the event. It's often more severe if the trauma was experienced early in life, as this can affect a child's development.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of PTSD can be categorised into four main clusters:
·Intrusive symptoms manifest as distressing memories, nightmares, and flashbacks.
Avoidance symptoms involve efforts to avoid reminders of the traumatic event.
Negative changes in mood and cognition include feelings of guilt, shame, or detachment.
Arousal and reactivity symptoms manifest as hypervigilance, irritability, and exaggerated startle response.
Treatment
Treatment for PTSD includes cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), and medication in the form of antidepressants. The first step is to go to your GP to access support.
PTSD Uk, the charity for PTSD, has more information on treatments here
Self Care and coping strategies
Apart from professional treatment, it is important that people begin to focus on what may help them. This can be different for everyone but may include practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in physical activity, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking support from friends and family. Self-care practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and creative outlets can help individuals cope with stress and promote overall wellbeing.
Managing traumatic experiences
Unfortunately, traumatic experiences in some form will impact most of us during our lives. We can build our ability to manage our response that may reduce the likelihood of developing PTSD from these traumas, including:
Seeking out support from friends, family, or support groups
Learning to feel okay with one’s actions in response to a traumatic event
Having a coping strategy for getting through and learning from the traumatic event
Being prepared and able to respond to upsetting events as they occur despite feeling fear
Showing yourself compassion and understanding, you are doing your best in the face of trauma.
Supporting a friend or family member
Educate Yourself
This condition tends to be misunderstood, and there’s often a stigma attached to it. Learning about PTSD can help you be more understanding and empathetic and clear up misconceptions.
Be Supportive
When someone has PTSD, they are more likely to experience social isolation due to anxiety or fear of judgment. Practice being a steady, reliable and trustworthy presence in their life.
Be Patient (Don’t Pressure Them)
When someone has PTSD, even talking about it briefly can be difficult. It can worsen their symptoms, and it can make them relive the trauma. When someone is ready to share with you, they will. However, be patient until that time comes.
Listen non judgementally
Practice active listening to show you’re engaged, and don’t try to compare your feelings or experiences. Provide a safe space that they know will be judgment free. Validate their feelings, it is ok not to feel ok.
Encourage them to seek treatment
It’s beyond your control to make someone seek treatment. If they are ready or are considering treatment, you can encourage them along the way, maybe research options together go to an appointment to support them.
Look after yourself
Always remember to take time for yourself, as challenging as it can be. Develop healthy ways of dealing with stress , prioritise your self care and take time each day to do what brings you joy. You cannot support others without supoorting yourself.
PTSD is a challenging mental health condition, but recovery is possible, and it is never too late to reach out for support. For more information visit PTSD UK
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