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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.
Case Study: CBT Treatment – Darren
Case Study: CBT Treatment – Darren Darren lived with PTSD for 8 years before he opened up to his wife about how he was feeling following a trauma experienced through his work as a Police Officer. He underwent CBT treatment
Guilt as part of PTSD; and ways to dismantle it
Guilt as part of PTSD; and ways to dismantle it Please be aware that as guilt is such a strong element of PTSD, this article may trigger or distress some readers. “If only I had……” An emotionally charged response that
Case Study: EMDR Treatment – Emma
Case Study: EMDR Treatment – Emma After witnessing her husband having a terrifying seizure, Emma was diagnosed with PTSD. She underwent EMDR treatment and in this case study, she explains the process behind her EMDR using ‘tapping’, processing ‘smaller’ memories first,
How Rewind Therapy can help people with PTSD
How Rewind Therapy can help people with PTSD Going back over deeply distressing events can sometimes be the only way to make sense of them, and to control your responses and the lasting damage they can do to your mental
Case Study: EMDR Treatment – Jenna
Case Study: EMDR Treatment – Jenna Jenna* was diagnosed with PTSD as a result of an ‘incomplete’ miscarriage and the inconsistent and traumatic care that followed. She underwent EMDR treatment over 20 years later which she says has ‘changed my
Case Study: Sam’s EMDR Treatment
Case Study: Sam’s EMDR Treatment Sam underwent EMDR treatment after being diagnosed with C-PTSD following multiple and sustained traumas in childhood. Here, Sam explains more about the EMDR treatment, and how she’s now able to work, go out, have fun,
Why does PTSD make you cry? The science of our tears
Scientists believe that crying can make you feel physically and emotionally better. ‘Having a good cry’ is thought to rid the body of toxins and waste products which build up during times of elevated stress – so it’s logical then
How beachcombing can help people with PTSD
How beachcombing can help people with PTSD Countless people use the image of a beautiful sun-kissed beach as their mental happy place, to help them cope with anxiety or boredom. Though there are also benefits to heading to the British
Case Study: Jasmine’s EMDR Treatment
Case Study: Jasmine’s EMDR Treatment Jasmine underwent EMDR treatment after being diagnosed with PTSD following a trauma. Here, Jasmine explains more about her EMDR treatment, how she needed to find the right therapist to help, what happened in her sessions,
How geocaching can help people with PTSD
How geocaching can help people with PTSD There are many traditional hobbies, interests and activities that help to manage PTSD symptoms. Then, there are the unusual options, that involve ‘up the minute’ trends and technology. The perfect example of a
How wild swimming can help people with PTSD
How wild swimming can help people with PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder is a different experience for everyone, making it important to find the therapies and support that best suit you when working towards sustainable recovery. The one thing that’s universal
How gardening can help people with PTSD
How gardening can help people with PTSD Avid gardeners will tell you that growing things from seeds or saplings, or simply keeping their lawns and borders looking healthy, brings a wonderful sense of satisfaction. The joy to be found in
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.