What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event threatening their life or safety. Fear is a natural, temporary response to danger, but PTSD persists, disrupting daily functioning, work, and relationships.
What are potential causes of PTSD?
PTSD can stem from a range of traumatic events. These can include, but are not limited to: sexual or physical assault, combat and war, natural disasters, vehicle accidents, medical trauma, childhood abuse, and sudden loss. This, often in combination with pre-existing mental health and biological factors, can lead to an individual developing PTSD.
What are some symptoms of PTSD?
Common symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, avoiding reminders of an event, negative changes in mood, intrusive memories, feeling detached, hyperarousal, or self-destructive behaviours. Depending on the individual and the trauma experienced, these symptoms c
What are treatments for PTSD?
There are many treatments for PTSD, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle management. Therapies include Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure and Written Exposure Therapy, which allow people to process their emotions and eventually desensitise their reactions. Relaxation and lifestyle changes may help to manage symptoms and allow those with PTSD to cope with the challenges of everyday life.
Statistics around PTSD:
According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 3.9% of the world’s population experiences PTSD during their life. This compares with 70% of people who will experience a traumatic event in their lives. While it is not extremely common, it is still a serious medical condition that needs to be treated with respect. The National Institute of Mental Health states that women are 50% more likely than men to develop PTSD, contradicting the belief that women will not suffer from the condition. Additionally, common stigma believes that only military personnel suffer from PTSD, when in fact, out of those with the condition, only 15% are military veterans.