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PTSD UK is the only charity in the UK dedicated to raising awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder – no matter the trauma that caused it.
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What can cause PTSD?
PTSD & C-PTSD can affect anyone who has been exposed to trauma – an event or events which provoked fear, helplessness, or horror in response to the threat of injury or death and therefore can affect anyone.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD & C-PTSD can cause a wide variety of physical, mental and emotional symptoms such as hypervigilance, irrational anger & fear, panic attacks, flashbacks, digestive issues, feeling numb, nightmares and exhaustion.
What are the treatments for PTSD?
It is possible for PTSD & C-PTSD to be successfully treated with psychotherapies such has EMDR and CBT, even many years after the traumatic event occurred, which means it is never too late to seek help.
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Do you need more information about PTSD?
Our website has lots of information about PTSD & C-PTSD to arm you with the knowledge and details you need to understand the condition, be able to explain it to your friends and family better and, ultimately, to help guide you to the support and treatment you may need. Below are some direct links to some of the most common questions we are asked.
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Anyone exposed to trauma can develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and it can cause a wide variety of physical, mental and emotional symptoms – find out more about PTSD on this page here.
I think I might have PTSD, what should I do?
If you recognise some of the symptoms of PTSD or C-PTSD in yourself, it’s really important to speak to someone if you feel you can. This might be a friend or loved one initially, but seeing a medical professional will also allow you to get a full diagnosis, understand your condition better, and most importantly, find out what treatment options are available for you. Find out more about what to do if you think you have PTSD or C-PTSD on this page here.
I think my loved one has PTSD, what can I do?
If you think your partner may have PTSD or C-PTSD, its important to let them know you care and are there to listen when they are ready to talk. The changes in you loved one, and the relationship you have, can understandably make you worried, and even perhaps angry, frustrated or hurt, so it’s important that you are patient with your loved one, and deal with this together – they may not have PTSD or C-PTSD, but just need more time to process a trauma they went through. Find out more about how to help support your loved one here.
I've just been told I have PTSD, what can I do next?
If you have recently been told you have PTSD or C-PTSD then you might feel worried or frightened by what this diagnosis means. Perhaps having a name for how you have been feeling up until now has given you some comfort. No matter how you feel, the biggest thing to know is that you aren’t alone. Find out more about the next steps you might want to take after your diagnosis here.
What treatments are available for PTSD & C-PTSD in the UK?
It is possible for PTSD & C-PTSD to be successfully treated many years after trauma occurred, which means it is never too late to seek help. For some, the first step may be watchful waiting, then exploring therapeutic options such as individual or group therapy. NICE guidance recommends treatments such as EMDR, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Find out more about the treatment options for PTSD and C-PTSD in the UK here.
What can I do to ease my PTSD or C-PTSD symptoms?
There are several therapies, activities or practices which can be useful in easing and reducing PTSD & C-PTSD symptoms, you can find out about some of these here. Our PTSD UK blog is also full of suggestions which many people find that useful to alleviate the symptoms of PTSD & C-PTSD, particularly anxiety related ones. You can also read about some practical tips to help with PTSD symptoms (particularly relating to hypervigilance) here.
Blue Light Symphony Orchestra
Blue Light Symphony Orchestra The Blue Light Symphony Orchestra is a UK charity with the aim to encourage music making at a local level within the UK emergency services and also make music therapy available to those in the emergency
Writing and PTSD Guest Blog
Guest Blog: How writing is helping me to cope with PTSD Many people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder find that writing can help them to understand their PTSD or C-PTSD and the symptoms they are experiencing – whether that be
WSPD
Asking directly about suicidal thoughts can help save lives To mark World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10th of September, our charity partner Samaritans is encouraging people not to be afraid to talk about suicidal thoughts and feelings if they are
Grief famous person
How the death of someone famous can affect PTSD symptoms We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. An inspiration to our country, her 70 years of dedication and service have shown her incredible strength
Katie Price Trauma & Me
Katie Price: Trauma & Me TV appearance with PTSD UK This Thursday, 8th September, PTSD UK Founder and CEO Jacqui features in a documentary on Channel 4 about media personality Katie Price, where Katie explores her mental health and diagnosis
How hydrotherapy can be useful for PTSD sufferers
Hydrotherapy and PTSD There is now a proven link between mental health and physical health, which is why mental health conditions like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder often have physical symptoms too. One example is that PTSD and C-PTSD can result
Vitamin Sea for PTSD
Vitamin Sea for PTSD – Guest Blog We’ve written before about the huge health benefits that wild swimming, ‘cold therapy’ and being in nature can bring to people affected by PTSD and C-PTSD, but in this latest guest blog, Wendy
Tim Smith LEJOG
Tim’s solo cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats for PTSD UK Tim Smith from Walthamstow, London is cycling solo and unsupported from Land’s End to John O’ Groats this weekend to help raise awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Forest bathing and PTSD video
Forest bathing and PTSD – A discussion Having originated in Japan and China, forest bathing – or Shinrin-Yoku – can be used to help decrease undue stress and potential burn-out. Research has found that immersion in nature has human health
‘Fallen Mafia’ team up with PTSD UK for a release campaign
Fallen Mafia team up with PTSD UK for a release campaign We’re delighted to announce that North-East hard rockers, Fallen Mafia have teamed up with PTSD UK and are set to release two reimagined versions of an old classic, How
Opening the book on bibliotherapy for PTSD and C-PTSD
Opening the book on bibliotherapy for PTSD and C-PTSD There are many techniques, activities and therapies that can tackle the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD and C-PTSD). Of course, different techniques work for different people. One you may
Emotional numbness
Emotional numbness in PTSD & C-PTSD One of the most damaging assumptions about someone who has experienced trauma, or has a PTSD or C-PTSD diagnosis is that they don’t seem to be upset by it. In fact, their apparent disassociation
Treatments for PTSD
It is possible for PTSD & C-PTSD to be successfully treated many years after the trauma occurred, which means it is never too late to seek help. For some, the first step may be watchful waiting, then exploring therapeutic options such as individual or group therapy – but the main treatment options in the UK are psychological treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprogramming (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Traumatic events can be very difficult to come to terms with, but confronting and understanding your feelings and seeking professional help is often the only way of effectively treating PTSD & C-PTSD. You can find out more in the links below, or here.