Mental health

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

What is PTSD?

We can get caught up in a traumatic event that is:

  • overwhelming
  • frightening
  • life-threatening (to ourselves or others)

This could be:

  • getting a diagnosis of a serious illness
  • having (or seeing) a serious road accident
  • the unexpected injury or violent death of someone close
  • being a hostage or assaulted

After such an event, most people feel distressed and can have symptoms for some time. Everyone's reactions are different. It is common to feel anxious, angry, emotional, and shaky. It can be difficult putting the event out of our mind. This is Acute Stress Reaction. This should fade over a few days or weeks.

At times, the acute reaction does not go. You can develop a more severe condition referred to as PTSD.

Does everyone get PTSD after a traumatic experience?

No. Most people get an Acute Stress Reaction which has some overlap with PTSD symptoms. These should go way. About 1 in 3 people will have symptoms that continue and cannot come to terms with the event. It is as though the process has become stuck.

When does PTSD start?

The symptoms usually start within a few weeks of the trauma. They can start up to 6 months later.

What does PTSD feel like?

With PTSD, you may:

  • have flashbacks and nightmares - you relive the event in your mind, over and over
  • keep busy and avoid anything and anyone that reminds you of the event.
  • be "on guard" - you stay alert all the time, cannot relax, feel anxious and cannot sleep
  • get physical symptoms -
    • aches and pains
    • diarrhoea
    • irregular heartbeats
    • headaches
    • feelings of panic and fear
    • depression
    • start drinking more alcohol or using drugs (including painkillers).

How do I know when I have got over a traumatic experience?

When you:

  • can think about it without becoming distressed
  • do not feel under threat
  • do not think about it at inappropriate times.

How to help yourself

  • try to get back to your usual routine.
  • talk about what happened
  • try relaxation exercises
  • eat, exercise, and spend time with family and friends
  • take care with driving. You are more likely to have an accident while you feel like this
  • try not to avoid other people
  • try not to resort to alcohol or drugs
  • body-focused therapies

These can help you to control your distress. It can help you focus on the "here and now" experiences rather than the past.

Most importantly, do not be hard on yourself or expect too much of yourself. PTSD is not a sign of weakness. The strongest person can get it.

How other people can help you?

Some think it is helpful to let those around you know about your mental health problems. They could be family, friends, or colleagues at work. They will know what things can help you, especially during times of crisis.

It is not easy to be open with people about these issues. Talk to your doctors or mental health team to decide if this is right for you.