Cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is the most common mental health disorder after depression.

You or someone you know may have experienced the condition after unexpectedly losing a loved one, witnessing or being involved in a life-threatening accident or being exposed to family violence.

In fact, any experience of trauma, whether physical or mental, can contribute to the development of PTSD and other mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety disorders, alcohol and substance abuse and other self-harm behaviours.

Trauma can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background and not everyone will respond in the same way.

Understanding PTSD, its symptoms and treatment options can help you recognise if you or a loved one are affected and how to cope with the condition.

The symptoms of PTSD can be broadly categorised into four groups:

1. Intrusive Thoughts: Individuals may experience recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event. This can include flashbacks, nightmares and severe emotional distress when reminded of the trauma.
2. Avoidance: People with PTSD often try to avoid reminders of the traumatic event. This can involve avoiding certain places, people, activities or even thoughts and feelings related to the trauma.
3. Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: PTSD can lead to negative thoughts about oneself or others, feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, difficulty maintaining close relationships and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
4. Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Also known as hyperarousal, this can include being easily startled, feeling tense or “on edge,” having difficulty sleeping and experiencing angry outbursts or irritability.

Effective treatments are available for PTSD aiming to reduce symptoms, improve functioning and enhance the quality of life for those affected.

Treatments vary in approach, allowing for individual care that addresses the specific needs of each person. Comprehensive treatment plans often incorporate a combination of psychotherapy, medications, support groups and self-care strategies, all working together to provide a holistic path to recovery.