06:30, 28 June 2024
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Today is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day which serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that traumatic experiences can have on individuals' mental health. To help those who suffer from PTSD, which NHS Wales reports 2 million people in the UK, and educate others that may have loved ones who struggle with the mental health condition, here is a little explainer.
PTSD can happen after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Often individuals may feel shame or guilt related to their traumatic experiences, leading to obstacles in the healing and recovery process. Building a supportive and empathetic environment is crucial to encourage open discussions about these experiences.
Traumatic experiences can exist on a sliding scale, one of the most common causes of PTSD is armed combat (often called Shell shock), but can happen to a vast array of different experiences.
The symptoms vary between person to person and often link specifically to the trauma they’ve endured. Common symptoms include:
A combination of therapy, and support is often used as treatment for PTSD, and in some cases, medication, to help manage the symptoms and improve daily quality of life. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is commonly offered to assist individuals in processing and coping with traumatic experiences, while exposure therapy can aid in desensitising individuals to their usual triggers associated with the trauma. An alternative therapeutic option is Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) which focuses on processing traumatic memories.
People that suffer with PTSD have similar symptoms to those with anxiety and depression, so medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help the shared symptoms. Additionally, support groups, self-care strategies, and lifestyle changes can also play a crucial role in the treatment and management of PTSD. Collaboration of methods and with a support network is used to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and symptoms.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
PTSD UK. This is a UK charity that provides information, support, and resources for individuals affected by PTSD. Learn more here.
Combat Stress. This is a charity specialising in treatment and support for veterans, focusing on those with complex mental health issues from their experiences during military service. Find out more here.
Victim Support. This charity offers assistance and emotional support to individuals impacted by crime and traumatic incidents. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health And Wellbeing.
