What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder – causes, symptoms and treatment.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological reaction that can occur after a traumatic event. These can range from accidents and abuse to war or difficult childbirth. Experiencing intense fear, helplessness or a sense of mortal danger can affect the way the brain and body react, even long after the event has occurred.

Many people with PTSD struggle with intrusive memories, avoidance behaviours and altered emotional responses. Fortunately, there are effective treatments that can help you process the trauma and regain control of your life.

What causes PTSD?

PTSD develops when the brain fails to process a traumatic event in a healthy way. Common triggers include:

• Domestic violence
• Sexual abuse
• Accidents or difficult births
• War and conflict
• Medical trauma, such as intensive care
• Long-term bullying or victimisation

PTSD can also affect people who have witnessed a frightening event or who have a loved one who has experienced trauma. It can take days, weeks or months for symptoms to appear, sometimes making it difficult to understand the connection between the trauma and the emotional reactions.

Symptoms of PTSD.

PTSD affects both mental and physical well-being. Symptoms are often divided into four categories:

1. Reliving the trauma

• Flashbacks where the event is replayed over and over again.
• Unexpected intrusive memories and nightmares.
• Strong emotional and physical reactions to reminders, such as palpitations and anxiety.

2. Avoidance behaviour

• Deliberately avoiding places, people or situations that remind you of the trauma.
• Emotional closure – avoiding talking about what happened.
• Reduced ability to feel joy or engagement in everyday life.

3. Negative changes in thought patterns and emotions

• Feelings of guilt or shame linked to the trauma.
• Anxiety, depression and low self-esteem.
• Difficulties in trusting others or forming close relationships.

4. Excessive vigilance and stress reactions

• Constant feeling of being on edge.
• Sleep problems and difficulty concentrating.
• Irritation, anger or destructive behaviours such as risky decisions.

How is PTSD treated?

There are several effective treatments for PTSD. Getting the right help can make a big difference and help you process the trauma in a healthy way.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most proven methods for treating PTSD. It focuses on identifying and changing destructive thought patterns related to the trauma. Two common forms of CBT for PTSD are:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): helps you accept what has happened and find strategies to deal with difficult emotions.
• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT): Builds self-compassion and helps deal with shame or self-criticism after trauma.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is an evidence-based method that uses eye movements to process traumatic memories. The treatment helps the brain to ‘reprogramme’ memories so that they no longer feel as intrusive.

Psychodynamic therapy (PDT)

PDT can be particularly effective for repeat traumas, especially if they occurred early in life. It helps to understand the emotional patterns created by trauma and can improve relationships and self-esteem.

What can you do yourself?

In addition to professional help, there are also strategies you can use in everyday life to manage PTSD symptoms.

1. Grounding techniques

Grounding involves focusing on the present to reduce intrusive memories. Try this: identify five things you see, four things you can touch, three things you hear, two things you smell and one thing you taste.

2. Meditation and presence

Breathing exercises and mindfulness can help you manage stress and anxiety. A simple technique is to focus on your breathing and count your breaths slowly up to five.

3. Talk about your feelings

Keeping a diary or talking to a safe person can reduce feelings of loneliness and help you process what has happened.

When should you seek help?

If your symptoms are affecting your everyday life, your relationships or your ability to feel happy and safe, it is important to seek help. A licensed therapist can help you find strategies to cope with PTSD and take back control of your life.