Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop as a result of experiencing traumatic events.
PTSD can cause a range of symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts – all of which can have a significant impact on daily life. However, the good news is that with the right support and treatment, many people find that they’re able to overcome PTSD and live normally.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at PTSD – including symptoms, causes, treatment, and ways to cope.
What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that some people develop after experiencing traumatic events.
Medical historians have identified several early accounts of what would now be classified as PTSD. Most famously, it was referred to as ‘shell shock’ in soldiers during the 20th century. But there are some earlier examples, too, including in the monologue of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, where Lady Percy describes her husband’s inability to enjoy life after fighting a war.
After awareness increased throughout the 20th century, ‘post-traumatic stress disorder’ became a formal diagnosis in 1980 – and 12 years later it was added to the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases.
Today’s definition of PTSD covers a multitude of symptoms caused by a range of traumatic events, which we’ll cover below.
Note: On Thursday 12th September, author Melanie King will be hosting, Buxton’s ‘Blue Birds’: Canadian Nurses Recovering from Shell Shock. Join Melanie as she explores how many nurses suffered from shell shock during WWI.
Are there different types of PTSD?
People who are diagnosed with PTSD might be told that they have mild, moderate, or severe PTSD.
It’s important to note that these descriptions are used to explain what sort of impact your symptoms have on your ability to carry out daily life, not as a description of how frightening or traumatic your experiences might have been.
According to Mind, there are also specific types of PTSD, including…
- Complex PTSD – has many of the same symptoms as PTSD but may also affect people’s ability to connect with others and regulate their emotions
- Delayed-onset PTSD – if symptoms occur more than six months after experiencing trauma
- Birth trauma – PTSD that develops as the result of a traumatic birth experience
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD typically develop within a month of someone experiencing a traumatic event. However, they may appear later, for example, in people with delayed-onset PTSD.
Some people’s symptoms fluctuate between being mild and more noticeable; while others experience constant, severe symptoms.
The symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, often depending on the nature of the event experienced and what type of PTSD you have. However, according to the NHS, symptoms typically fall into the following categories…
Re-experiencing
Re-experiencing is the most common symptom of PTSD. It causes people to involuntarily relive a traumatic event – often vividly – in the form of flashbacks, nightmares, repetitive and distressing images or sensations, and physical sensations, such as pain, trembling, or feeling sick.
Some people also experience negative thoughts about their experience, constantly questioning why the event happened to them and whether they could’ve done anything to prevent it. Often, this can lead to feelings of guilt and shame which make it more difficult for people to come to terms with what happened.
Avoidance strategies and feeling emotionally numb
Another key symptom of PTSD is avoiding anything that reminds you of the traumatic event – including people, places, and talking about what happened.
Many people try to push memories of the event out of their mind by distracting themselves; while others attempt to manage their feelings by trying not to feel anything at all. This is referred to as emotional numbing.
In some cases, these coping mechanisms can lead people to become isolated and withdrawn, often neglecting activities they previously enjoyed.
Feeling on edge and being hyper aware
Some people with PTSD often feel anxious and find it difficult to relax due to being constantly on edge and easily startled. The NHS refers to this state of mind as hyperarousal.
Hyperarousal can often cause irritability, insomnia, angry outbursts, and difficulty concentrating.
Other symptoms
Other symptoms of PTSD can include…
- Other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or phobias
- Self-harming techniques or destructive behaviours, such as drug or alcohol misuse
- Other physical symptoms, including dizziness, chest pains, headaches, and stomach aches
In some cases, PTSD can lead to work-related issues and the breakdown of relationships. However, it’s important to note that everyone’s experience is different.
What can cause PTSD?
PTSD can develop after someone experiences a highly stressful, distressing, frightening event or a prolonged traumatic experience.
The type of events that can trigger PTSD are broad and varied. According to the NHS, examples include…
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Serious accidents
- Serious health problems
- Losing a close friend or family member
- War and conflict
Research estimates that around one in three people who experience severe trauma develop PTSD. Experts are currently unsure why some people develop the condition and others don’t. However, there are a number of theories.
Some believe that PTSD develops as an instinctive mechanism intended to help people survive future trauma. Meanwhile, other research suggests that PTSD may be caused by people having abnormal levels of stress hormones, changes in the brain, or genetic factors. There’s also evidence that people who’ve suffered with anxiety or depression in the past may be more at risk of developing PTSD.
You can read more about these theories on the NHS website.
How is PTSD treated?
Before being treated for PTSD, you’ll need to have a detailed assessment of your symptoms to make sure you receive the right treatment. This will either be carried out by your GP or a specialist. So, if you suspect you might have PTSD, it’s important to book an appointment with your GP.
In cases where symptoms are mild or have been present for less than four weeks, active monitoring may be used. This approach involves actively monitoring symptoms to see whether they improve on their own or get worse. Active monitoring is sometimes recommended because, according to the NHS, two in every three people who develop symptoms following a traumatic event get better within a few weeks without receiving treatment.
Treatment for PTSD typically involves medicine and/or talking therapies, which we’ll cover below.
Note: Remember, traumatic experiences can be difficult to come to terms with, but many people find that allowing space to face their feelings and seeking professional help puts them on the road to recovery.
Talking therapies for PTSD
If you need PTSD treatment, talking therapies are usually recommended first.
The main types of talking therapies used to treat PTSD are…
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavourial therapy (TF-CBT) – a form of CBT specifically adapted to treating PTSD.
- Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) – a fairly new treatment that can help to address PTSD symptoms such as being easily startled.
It involves making rhythmic eye movements while recalling a traumatic event. The rapid eye movements are intended to have a similar effect to how the brain processes memories and experiences during sleep.
You can either ask your GP to refer you to a talking therapy service. Or, if you’d prefer, you can refer yourself directly to NHS talking therapies without seeing a GP.
Research has found that talking therapies are often effective for people with PTSD. For example, in this study, 65% of people with PTSD experienced improvements in their symptoms within six weeks of beginning talking therapies.
Medication for PTSD
People with PTSD aren’t routinely prescribed medication. However, there are some cases where it may be offered – for example, if talking therapies haven’t helped or you have another condition that significantly affects your ability to benefit from psychological treatment, such as severe depression.
The main medications used to treat PTSD are two types of antidepressants called paroxetine and sertraline. While PTSD isn’t the same as depression, these medications have been found to help.
You can read more about the treatments available for PTSD on Mind’s website.
4 ways to cope with PTSD
Living with PTSD can be difficult and, at times, overwhelming. However, there are things you can do to help, whether on their own or alongside professional treatment.
1. Identify your triggers
Many people find that identifying their triggers helps them to feel more prepared and able to manage their symptoms.
Triggers and warning signs of PTSD will be different for everyone. However, according to Mind, situations or people are common triggers for flashbacks. This can include everything from smells and sounds to places and particular films or books. Others find that they particularly struggle on significant dates – such as on the anniversary of a traumatic event.
Practising self-care and having coping mechanisms in place can help you feel more prepared to handle these times.
2. Build a support network
It can feel difficult to open up to others if you’re struggling with PTSD as you might feel unable to talk about what happened or be scared to trust others.
However, opening up to a trusted friend or family member or a professional, such as your GP or via a professional helpline, can help you to feel less alone. Remember, you don’t have to be ready to describe the trauma to let people know how you’re feeling.
Mind has a useful list of organisations that offer support and resources for people with PTSD on their website if you’d like to reach out.
Some people also find it useful to join a support group, where they can connect with others going through similar experiences.
3. Be patient with yourself
If you’re struggling with PTSD, you might wonder when you’ll start to feel better again. But it’s important to remember that recovering from trauma is a process and allowing yourself time is a key part of that journey. Things will get better in time.
4. Take care of your physical health
Living with PTSD can be exhausting, and it’s not uncommon for people to feel too low in energy to take care of themselves. But, looking after your physical health can make a huge difference to how you feel mentally.
This can include everything from eating nutritious meals and staying active to spending time outside in nature.
Some people with PTSD struggle to sleep well due to feeling unsafe during the night or feeling anxious about having nightmares. If this is you, head over to the sleep and fatigue section of our website. If you’re really struggling, it’s important to speak to your GP.
If someone you love is struggling with PTSD, Mind has some useful information about how you can help to support them on their website.
Final thoughts...
Being diagnosed with PTSD can be upsetting, and you might wonder how you’ll move forward. However, the good news is that with the right treatment and support, many people find that they’re able to recover and live a normal, happy life. . The most important thing to remember is that your past doesn’t define you, and you will be okay.
For further reading, head over to the healthy mind section of our website. Here, you’ll find information on everything from coping with depression and anxiety to counselling and therapy services.
Do you have any experience of coping with PTSD that you’d like to share? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.