Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a fairly common mental health condition in the UK. Approximately 1 in 3 people who have experienced a traumatic event will develop PTSD. This means that PTSD affects a significant number of people in the UK, and it is important to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding this condition.
What Is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. Some kinds of events that people can find traumatic include military combat, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. Symptoms of PTSD can include re-experiencing the traumatic event through intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks, avoiding reminders of the event, like people, places, or activities. Sufferers also experience feelings of anger, guilt, shame, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating or sleeping.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it is important to seek support from a trusted professional. Treatment options for PTSD may include therapy, medication, or usually a combination of both.
Avoidance & Numbing
Individuals who experience PTSD may avoid people, places, or activities that are reminders of the traumatic event. They may also feel emotionally numb and find it difficult to experience positive emotions.
Difficulty Functioning
PTSD symptoms can be debilitating and interfere with daily life. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it is important to seek support from a mental health professional. Treatment can help people with PTSD to reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Hyperarousal
Those who experience PTSD may feel constantly on edge, become easily startled, and have trouble sleeping. They may also experience anger, irritability, and reckless or self-destructive behaviour.
Negative Changes In Thoughts & Mood
People who suffer with PTSD can have negative thoughts about themselves, others, or the world. They may also have feelings of shame, guilt, or hopelessness. They might also find it difficult to concentrate or making decisions.
Re-experiencing The Traumatic Event
This may involve having intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares about the event. People with PTSD may also experience physical symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, or shaking, when they are reminded of the event.
What Causes PTSD?
Exposure to a psychologically damaging event can cause PTSD. Traumatic experiences can be anything that is considered dangerous or life threatening. Examples of trauma inducing events that can lead to PTSD include:
- Military combat
- Sexual assault or abuse
- Physical assault
- Natural disasters, such as earthquakes or hurricanes
- Car accidents
- Witnessing violence or death
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Medical procedures or surgeries
PTSD does not develop in everyone who experiences a traumatic event. This is because its development is based on a a variety of factors. These include the severity of the traumatic event, an individual’s psychological resilience, and the support and resources available after the traumatic event.
Also of note is that PTSD can also happen when one is exposed to indirect trauma. This might be when hearing about a traumatic event that has happened to someone else, or exposure to media about traumatic events.
How Phinity Therapy Can Help
Therapy can be a very effective treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There are several different types of therapy that we offer which can help with PTSD, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of psychotherapy that encourages people to modify unhelpful thought processes and actions that may be influencing their PTSD. This type of therapy typically includes exposure therapy, which entails gradually being exposed to reminders of the traumatic event in a safe and controlled environment.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a type of therapy for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It involves using eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help individuals process traumatic memories.
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT): TF-CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is specifically tailored to address the needs of young people who have gone through a traumatic event. It integrates elements of cognitive behavioural therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, and works to help the individual process and come to terms with the trauma, while developing strategies to manage its effects.
The most beneficial form of therapy for someone with PTSD will depend on their individual circumstances and what they prefer. Our therapists can work with you to establish the best plan for you. Through therapy, many individuals with PTSD can reduce the intensity of their symptoms, and improve their relationships and overall quality of life, while also regaining control of their thoughts and feelings.
What Causes PTSD?How Phinity Therapy Can Help
Clients' Common Questions
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Trauma-focused psychotherapies. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/trauma-focused-psychotherapies
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2019, February 8). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Nih.gov. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml
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