Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition which effects all genders and any age. PTSD is a result of a traumatic, distressing and frightening event. PTSD is individual to each person depending on the event that they have experienced and how they respond to this. PTSD can occur for weeks, months or even years.

Causes of PTSD may include

  • Serious road accidents
  • Childbirth
  • Assaults (e.g. Emotional, sexual, physical)
  • Work related traumas (e.g. military, police, fire)
  • Serious health problems
  • Bereavement

Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD is caused by repeated traumatic situations such as severe neglect, abuse or violence. Complex PTSD has similar symptoms to PTSDF, but it may be that the symptoms are not developed until a later event. Complex PTSD is often more severe if the trauma was experienced in childhood.

Symptoms of PTSD may include

  • Flashbacks and nightmares regarding the traumatic event
  • Isolation
  • Dissociation
  • Irritability/anger
  • Insomnia
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Self-harming and/or destructive behaviours such as alcohol and drug misuse.

PTSD can normally be treated, but this is also dependent on the severity of symptoms and how long these have developed for after the traumatic event.

Treatments for PTSD may include

  • Active monitoring in mild symptoms of PTSD (monitoring your own symptoms to see if they improve or get worse)
  • Medication such as antidepressants
  • Talking therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing)

Help Lines

Samaritans

116 123 

Shout 

If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.

Papyrus HOPELINEUK

0800 068 41 41
88247 (text)
pat@papyrus-uk.org
papyrus-uk.org
Confidential support for under-35s at risk of suicide and others who are concerned about them. Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Provides a helpline, online and WhatsApp chat, as well as information and support, for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.

SANEline

If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day).

Nightline 

www.nightline.ac.uk

If you’re a student, you can look to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.

NHS 111 – urgent mental health helpline

You can contact NHS 111 any time to access support for your health. To get urgent mental health support, call 111 and select option 2.

If you feel that you are unable to keep yourself safe, or if you feel you are at risk to yourself or others, then please contact 999 or visit your local Accident and Emergency (A&E)