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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.
How photography helped me manage my PTSD – Guest Blog
How photography helped me manage my PTSD – Guest Blog Matt Dolinski discovered that photography helped him managed his PTSD and other mental health issues. Starting by taking photos on his mobile phone, Matt is now organising ‘Photo Walks’ to
The Window of Tolerance and PTSD
The Window of Tolerance and PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can make you feel very helpless. At times you can feel you have no control of your emotions, thoughts, feelings and actions – however understanding more about how and
Case Study: EMDR Treatment – Ranya
Case Study: EMDR Treatment – Ranya Ranya* grew up in a violent and abusive household which led to her developing PTSD. In this case study, she tells us how, despite her initial worries, EMDR has changed outlook her outlook on
How running can help people with PTSD
How running can help people with PTSD The physical and mental benefits of everything from gentle jogging to serious running are well known and exercise (particularly running) can help reduce the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (both PTSD and
Case Study: CPAP Treatment – David
Case Study: CPAP Treatment – David David’s PTSD symptoms after a helicopter crash were affecting every moment of his life until he came across CPAP therapy for Sleep Apnoea. Here, he shares his story about his life after finding the
My PTSD ‘toolbox’
My PTSD ‘toolbox’ During her life, Imogen Cauthery has experienced a number of traumas and resulting PTSD. Over time, despite some co-morbid conditions such as epilepsy and bulimia, Imogen has developed a ‘PTSD toolbox’ – a variety of therapies and
Mental Wellbeing at work guidance
Mental Wellbeing at work guidance NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) have recently updated their Mental Wellbeing at work guidance. This guideline covers how to create the right conditions for mental wellbeing at work. It aims to promote
Castle2Cosford: Chris’ 300-Mile Walk for Two Trauma Charities
Castle2Cosford: Chris’ 300-Mile Walk for Two Trauma Charities Former police officer, Chris Devney from Worcestershire, prepares to walk more than 300 miles in just 13 days to raise vital funds in aid of PTSD UK and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity,
XMiles supporting Team PTSD UK
XMiles supporting Team PTSD UK We’re honoured to be sponsored by XMiles to help our fundraising supporters who are part of Team PTSD UK taking on challenges in 2022! XMiles is an Independent Endurance Sports Store, providing nutritional goods to
Self injury, self harm and PTSD
Self injury, self harm and PTSD There is growing evidence showing a link between post-traumatic stress disorder, and what is collectively known as self-injurious behaviours (SIB). This article explores this highly sensitive topic and contains triggers. So, we recommend proceeding
How pottery can help ease PTSD symptoms
How pottery can help ease PTSD symptoms Art therapy has been steadily gaining traction as an effective method to reduce and ease the symptoms of mental health issues. In particular, people with PTSD and C-PTSD could find that pottery is
The link between PTSD and eating disorders
The link between PTSD and eating disorders The deep psychological and biological imprint that trauma can leave can cause, or worsen other health issues. There are also times when someone with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) also has a second
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.