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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.
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
Mike Lamb
Too Inspired to Be Tired! 365 to Stay Alive Challenge for PTSD UK Mike Lamb, a below knee amputee from Manchester is already 4 weeks into his challenge to walk 10km every day for a year to help raise awareness
case-study-emdr-steve
Case Study: EMDR Treatment – Steve Steve developed C-PTSD after a number of traumas experienced in his childhood. After initial misdiagnosis, Steve finally received EMDR treatment which he says ‘helped no end’ and is now training to be a counsellor
Self-soothing for people with PTSD and C-PTSD
Self-soothing for people with PTSD or C-PTSD A new study has shown that a self-soothing touch, such as placing your hand over your heart, or wrapping your arms around yourself, gives you the same stress-reducing benefits of being hugged by
Emmerdale PTSD
Emmerdale’s PTSD storyline In the last few weeks, ITV’s Emmerdale have featured PTSD as a storyline in one of their characters, Nicola King. Although it isn’t a very long running story it does have impact and highlights how a traumatic
Most British COVID-19 mourners suffer PTSD symptoms
British COVID-19 mourners suffer PTSD symptoms More than eight out of 10 British people who are seeking support for having lost a loved one to COVID-19 reported alarming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, new Curtin University-led research has found. The
LLHM for PTSD UK
events | run London Landmarks Half Marathon for PTSD UK Sign up now London Landmarks Half Marathon The challenge This event is not your average half marathon! From cultural landmarks and heritage to the city’s quirky and hidden secrets, runners
Guest Blog – Jason
Not all superheroes wear their underpants on the outside of their trousers! – Guest Blog On the 8th July, Paramedics and First Responders around the globe are being recognised and celebrated as it is International Paramedics Day. It’s a chance to recognise
Guest Blog – Aaron
Guest Blog – Aaron: my PTSD story At only 16, Aaron has already been through a lifetimes worth of pain – and his resulting PTSD diagnosis took him to ‘the darkest place he never thought he’d get out of’. In
Imagery Rescripting for PTSD
Imagery Rescripting for PTSD Your own mind can be an unpleasant or frightening place when you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It can summon up unwanted memories, flashbacks, distressing imagery and future scenarios that add to your anxiety and distress.
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.