PTSD

 

What is PTSD?

 

This anxiety disorder is triggered by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. Although war veterans first brought PTSD to the attention of the medical community, it can occur in anyone who has experienced a traumatic event that threatens death or violence.

 

This can be the result of:

 

     -  being involved in or witnessing a horrific event

 

     -  being exposed to life-threatening situations

 

     -  a natural disaster such as an earthquake, hurricane or flood

 

     -  incidents like plane crashes, terrorist attacks or wars

 

     -  criminal violence such as robbery, rape or murder 

 

     -  being a victim of domestic violence

 

     -  being in an abusive relationship

 

     -  being in a serious car accident

 

     -  losing a job

 

     -  having a miscarriage or a difficult childbirth experience

 

     -  a death or loss of a loved one

 

     -  an acrimonious divorce

 

     -  severe bullying

 

     -  struggle to fit in within family or school

 

Who is affected?

 

PTSD is not a sign of weakness; anyone can be affected. About 6% of all British veterans, approximately 4% of the British population and an estimated 1 in 13 British children suffer from PTSD.

 

Everyone reacts to traumatic events differently, and each person is unique in their ability to manage fear and stress and to cope with the threat posed by a traumatic event or situation. For that reason, not everyone who experiences or witnesses a trauma will develop PTSD. 

 

However if a child experiences emotional, physical or sexual abuse and neglect, they are more vulnerable because vital relationships of trust may not develop normally. This early damage may go on to affect all their future relationships. A person's resilience is a complex mix of genetics, temperament, hormones, mental and physical illness, support systems and previous experiences. 

 

What are the symptoms?

 

People with PTSD repeatedly relive the ordeal through thoughts and memories of the trauma, and often have flashbacks, hallucinations, insomnia and nightmares.

 

They also may become severely distressed when reminded of the trauma, and tend to avoid people, places, thoughts, or situations that may trigger memories of the trauma. This can lead to feelings of detachment and isolation from family and friends, as well as a loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable.

 

PTSD sufferers may experience excessive emotions and mood swings, be especially irritable and have wild outbursts of anger. They can have problems relating to others, including feeling or showing affection. They can have difficulty falling or staying asleep,  they make have difficulty concentrating and are often jumpy or easily startled.

 

They may also suffer physical symptoms, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tension, nausea and diarrhoea. People with PTSD can have low mood, and thoughts and feelings of blame and estrangement. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than are men. Alcohol, drugs and medication are often common props used to attempt to blot out the trauma.

 

What can be done?

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Sessions at Silver Birch Therapies go to the root cause of multiple issues and can help to release and relieve the symptoms of Trauma and PTSD.

 

Sessions are available for adults, teenagers and children, and can be done on a 1:1 basis in the comfort of the therapy studio, or via a distant method. Help is available no matter where you are located.

 

Testimonial from a recent PTSD sufferer:

 

"I feel like a large weight has been lifted from me."

 

All information is treated in the strictest confidence. If you are wondering where to turn and how to move forward, please contact Rebecca