Download Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD)?
depression putting relationships or work under
strain.
Life is rarely a completely smooth journey and
most of us will experience unpleasant or
frightening events at some point. Although
distressing at the time, the intensity of the
feelings usually fades quickly and we are able to
continue with our lives as before.
Symptoms usually start within six months of the
trauma but it can be later. PTSD can occur at any
age, but if it happens during childhood it may
affect how the child develops as a person. They
may feel guilty or ashamed or find it difficult to
trust others.
If we are subject to or witness an exceptionally
threatening or catastrophic ordeal, the effects are
likely to be longer lasting. This is a normal
response and can interfere with daily life.
Why does it happen?
The majority of people will gradually adjust to the
experience, but for one in three people the
effects will be longer lasting and more
debilitating. These people will develop symptoms
of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which can
include:
•
Vivid dreams or flashbacks which can be
triggered by reminders of the trauma
•
Avoidance of situations or places associated
with the event
•
A feeling of numbness or being on ‘hyperalert’
•
An incomplete memory of the event
•
Poor concentration and sleep
•
There may also be physical symptoms such as
diarrhoea, muscle cramps, headaches or an
awareness of your own heart beat.
People with PTSD may try to manage their
difficulties by using drugs or alcohol, which may
become a problem itself.
To some extent, the symptoms of PTSD are a
natural response to a threat and aim to protect
the person from a repeat threat. However, if the
body stays in this heightened state despite an
absence of further trauma, then healthy
processing and adjustment won’t happen. The
effects of the initial trauma will continue to be
powerful.
Delay in getting help
Many people live with PTSD for years before
seeking help. Some fear they may ‘lose control’ if
they talk about the trauma, or they may be
concerned how the other person will react to
hearing their story. Others worry they may be
perceived as ‘mad’, or weak for not coping.
Military personnel are at particularly high risk of
developing psychiatric problems, such as PTSD, as
a result of their job and might face even more
barriers to accessing help.
Examples include difficulty getting time off work,
feeling embarrassed by the stigma associated with
mental health, feeling blamed by employers, and
not knowing how to access help.
The stress of dealing with flashbacks may
contribute to panic attacks, angry outbursts and
Delivering high quality care
cornwallfoundationtrust.nhs.uk
Treatment
Medication
A diagnosis of PTSD is usually made by a GP or a
specialist in mental healthcare. They may
recommend a talking therapy or medication,
alongside simple self-help measures.
Psychological debriefing to prevent PTSD after a
traumatic event is not recommended and may
even do harm.
Medication is helpful for some people. An
antidepressant called a ‘Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitor’ helps treat the symptoms of
PTSD as well as those of any depression or
anxiety. The earlier help is sought, the better the
outcome is likely to be.
Self help
It is important to do enjoyable activities and
hobbies and to establish some sort of routine in
the day. Relaxation, exercise and a balanced diet
can contribute to a general sense of wellbeing
and also help to reduce anxiety.
Useful information and support
Community Veterans’ Nurse
A specialist nurse who promotes mental health
and provide support to veterans and their carers.
Available weekdays 9.00 am - 5.00 pm.
Tel: 01579 335226 or email:
[email protected]
Talking to people, whether they be family,
friends or professionals may feel hard, but often
provides relief. Using alcohol and drugs to cope
with or numb the symptoms will only make
things worse in the long run.
Surf Action
A non-profit organisation focusing on the
wellbeing and support of combat veterans and
their families.
Talking therapies
There are different styles of talking therapy, but
those used in PTSD focus on the traumatic event.
The aim is to help the individual find words to
describe their feelings without being
overwhelmed.
This allows the brain to process the trauma so it
no longer intrudes on day to day life. It can also
change thinking habits that may be maintaining
the symptoms or making them worse. The
therapy is delivered by a specialist trained to
work with people with PTSD and can occur oneto-one or in a group setting.
Tel: 01736 811920 or visit www.surfaction.co.uk
Veterans’ Groups in Cornwall
Service Veterans’ treatment and education
groups which meet on the last Wednesday of
each month 1.00 - 3.00 pm at Richmond House,
Tolver Place, Tolver Road, Penzance, TR18 2AB;
and on the second Tuesday of each month 1.00
pm - 3.00 pm at The Keep, Lostwithiel Road,
Bodmin, PL31 1DL.
Assist (Assistance Support and Self Help in
Surviving Trauma)
Some people find talking with others who have
been through similar experiences very helpful.
Telephone helpline: 01788 560 800 or visit:
www.assisttraumacare.org.uk
Eye Movement Desensitisation and
Reprocessing
Combat Stress
This treatment uses eye movements to help the
brain to process vivid memories and reduce their
intensity.
Tel: 01372 587000 or visit:
www.combatstress.org.uk
January 2015
Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Head Office: Fairview House, Corporation Road, Bodmin, PL31 1FB