What is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a recognised mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While it's often associated with military veterans, PTSD affects people from all walks of life. Trauma can stem from serious accidents, physical or sexual assault, abuse, natural disasters, or the sudden loss of a loved one.

According to the NHS, PTSD affects about 1 in 3 people who experience trauma. PTSD is a serious condition and not a sign of weakness. We offer compassionate, expert-led support to help you manage the condition, regain a sense of safety and stability, and begin to heal.

What causes PTSD?

PTSD can be triggered by a wide range of distressing experiences. It may develop immediately or months - even years - after the event. Many people find symptoms disappear within a few weeks, but if they continue for more than a month you may benefit from some additional support.

Common causes include:

• Serious accidents or injuries
• Physical or sexual assault
• Domestic abuse or childhood trauma
• Traumatic childbirth or medical emergencies
• Bereavement
• War, conflict or torture
• Witnessing violence or death
• Repeated exposure to trauma (e.g. emergency services work, or military)

Some people may experience prolonged or repeated trauma, which can lead to Complex PTSD. People with Complex PTSD experience many of the same symptoms, but may also struggle with persistent feelings of shame, have difficulty regulating emotions, a negative self-image or experience trouble forming or maintaining relationships.

Complex PTSD often requires longer-term, tailored support. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to seek help. If a traumatic past event is now interfering with your daily life, it’s worth talking about.

Contact us to book a private therapy session.

Common symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms vary widely and can be intense, unpredictable and exhausting. There can be physical effects as when we are stressed, our bodies release hormones called cortisol and adrenaline - these are the body's way of preparing for a threat, often known as 'fight of flight’. Additionally, people may experience physical symptoms similar to anxiety, headaches, dizziness, chest pains and experience trouble sleeping.

Emotional symptoms

• Persistent feelings of fear, sadness, guilt or shame
• Feeling numb or detatched
• Sudden mood swings or emotional outbursts
• Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe
• Feeling isolated or misunderstood

Psychological symptoms

• Flashbacks - reliving the trauma as if it’s happening now
• Nightmares or distressing dreams
• Intrusive thoughts or images
• Hypervigilance - feeling constantly “on edge”
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Avoidance of reminders, places or people linked to the trauma
• Negative beliefs about yourself or the world
• Self-blame or distorted thinking patterns

These symptoms can severely affect your relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.

How PTSD can be treated

PTSD is treatable, even if symptoms have persisted for years. The treatment recommended by your clinician will depend on the severity and timing of symptoms, and may include:

• Talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Medication - often used alongside therapy, especially for severe symptoms
• Other therapies such a mindfulness or peer support.

You don’t have to face PTSD alone. With compassionate, expert-led support, it’s possible to understand your symptoms, regain a sense of safety, and begin to heal.

You've got questions and we’re here to help.

If you're unsure about whether you’re experiencing PTSD, we can guide you.