Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a type of anxiety disorder, which can be caused by witnessing or being involved in a very traumatic, distressing or frightening event. PTSD affects people differently. Many people will relive the traumatic event through flashbacks and nightmares leaving them feeling on edge, and perhaps also experiencing guilt, shame or insomnia and, for many, becoming increasingly isolated.

It is common to experience some of the symptoms associated with PTSD after going through a traumatic event. Many people find that these will pass after a few weeks but if the symptoms you are experiencing last longer than a month, a diagnosis of PTSD might be given.

Symptoms PTSD

Your experience of PTSD is unique to you. You can be affected differently, even when you have encountered a similar type of trauma to someone else, but generally the specific symptoms of PTSD fall into the categories described below:

  • Physical
    • Nausea, trembling, pain, sweating
    • Hyperarousal
    • Feeling physically numb or detached from your body
  • Cognitive
    • Reliving aspects of what happened - flashbacks
    • Hypervigilance
    • Repetitive and distressing images or sensations
    • Difficulty concentrating
  • Emotional
    • Anxiety
    • Irritability
    • Shame or guilt
  • Behavioural
    • Avoiding certain people, situations or places
    • Avoiding talking about the experience
    • Attempts to self-sooth for example through alcohol or drugs use

Different types of PTSD

To explain the impact your symptoms are having on you, you might be told that you have mild, moderate or severe PTSD.

  • Delayed-onset PTSD – or ‘delayed PTSD’ describes your symptoms if they emerge more than six months after experiencing trauma.
  • Complex PTSD – you might be given a diagnosis of ‘complex PTSD’ if you have experienced multiple traumatic events over a longer period of time throughout your life.
  • Birth trauma – if you experience traumatic childbirth and develop PTSD, is also known as ‘birth trauma’.
  • Secondary trauma – if you are supporting someone close to you who’s experienced trauma, and you experience some PTSD symptoms, this is sometimes known as ‘secondary trauma’.

Causes of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a frightening, distressing or stressful event or after a prolonged traumatic experience. Although situations we find traumatic vary from person to person, it isn’t usually related to upsetting situations such as job loss, failing exams or divorce.

Events that trigger PTSD include:
  • Serious road accidents
  • Being raped or sexually assaulted
  • Any event where you have feared for your life
  • Witnessing people being hurt or violently being killed
  • Natural disasters – earthquakes, or severe flooding
  • The death of someone close to you in particular upsetting circumstances
  • Violent personal attacks – mugging or robbery
  • Being abused, harassed or bullied
  • Terrorist attacks
  • Military combat
  • Doing a job where you repeatedly see or hear details of traumatic events
  • Being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition

How to look after yourself when living with PTSD

Many people with PTSD find it hard to open up to others about what they are going through. However it can really help to confide in someone if you can. You don’t have to open up to them about the particular trauma – just telling them how you are currently feeling might be helpful.

It might be a good idea to seek some professional help. Going to a GP for advice might be the first step to helping you get the help you need. It’s important to give yourself time and be patient with yourself. Everyone responds to trauma in different ways and it’s important to take your recovery at your own pace.

How to support a loved one going through PTSD

Watching a loved one experiencing PTSD can be particularly distressing for both parties. Here are some ways you can support them while looking after your own mental health.

  • Listen

    Allow them to be upset about what has happened and free able to talk about their experience at their own pace. It’s important not be dismissive and for them not to feel pressured into speaking about the traumatic event. Try not to make assumptions about how they feel or question why they didn’t’ do something differently either.

  • Try not to judge

    It can be difficult to understand why a loved one can’t seem to ‘get over it’ and ‘move on’ if you haven’t experienced PTSD yourself. Instead of putting pressure on them to get better, support them and give them the time they need.

  • Learn their triggers

    Talking about the different situations that might trigger difficult feelings or flashbacks could help you feel more prepared when flashbacks happen. PTSD is unique to the individual experiencing it. For example, they might find significant dates such as the anniversary of the traumatic experience particularly tricky. Noises, sounds, places or words can all have trigger reminders too.

  • Look out for warning signs

    If you notice a change in your loved one, such as a change in their behaviour, mood, or energy levels you could ask them how they are feeling to encourage them to open up.

  • Respect their personal space

    If a loved one is experiencing PTSD, you could find that they are easily startled or often feel on edge and looking out for danger. Avoid overcrowding them and give them the space they need. It might be a good idea to ask their permission before touching them or hugging them.

  • Look after your mental health

    Supporting someone who is experiencing PTSD can be difficult and it’s vital that you look after your mental wellbeing too. Your GP or local IAPT service will be able to offer you support or provide you with appropriate care.