What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects more people than you might expect. Around 6 to 9 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. For those in high-stress professions like military personnel or first responders, the numbers are even higher—up to 30 out of every 100.
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing something deeply distressing. This could be anything from combat or an assault to a serious accident or the daily challenges faced by frontline workers. PTSD can stem from:
- One-off traumatic events: Such as a car crash or assault.
- Repeated exposure to trauma: Common among emergency service workers or military personnel.
- Personal life events: For example, birth trauma PTSD following a difficult childbirth.
Symptoms of PTSD don’t always appear immediately. It can take months or even years for them to surface. You might:
- Relive the event: Through flashbacks or nightmares.
- Feel constantly on edge: Or avoid anything that reminds you of the trauma.
- Experience complex emotions: Particularly if the trauma was repeated.
In the UK, awareness around PTSD is growing, especially in high-risk professions like the armed forces and emergency services. Better support systems are being developed to help those affected.
Treatment Options for PTSD
- Trauma-Focused CBT: Helps reduce the impact of trauma by targeting distressing thoughts.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing): Helps reprocess traumatic memories.
- Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH): Aims to make positive changes without reliving the trauma.
Recovery takes time, but with the right support, many people find ways to manage their symptoms and rebuild their lives.
Women aged 16-24 are most likely to experience PTSD
1 in 13 young people in the UK will suffer from PTSD
Healthcare workers are twice as likely to experience PTSD
1 in 5 UK police officers and staff show PTSD symptoms
What causes it?
PTSD can develop after experiencing a traumatic or frightening event. The memories of these events can persist and resurface, causing distress and difficulty in daily life.
Common Causes of PTSD
- Accidents or Assaults: Traumatic events such as car crashes or physical attacks.
- Prolonged Trauma: Continuous exposure to high-stress environments, such as emergency services.
- Vulnerability Factors: Some groups, like those with difficult childhoods or women, may be more susceptible.
PTSD can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing it:
- Repeated Trauma: Such as working in emergency services or experiencing ongoing abuse.
- Childhood Challenges: Those who faced adversity early in life may be more vulnerable.
- Specific Groups: Women and those exposed to multiple traumas can be more at risk.
Symptoms of PTSD:
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or constantly feeling on edge.
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma.
- Feelings of anxiety, irritability, or sadness.
But here’s the key—you don’t have to face this alone. There is support available, and with the right help, things can improve.
What are the symptoms & effects?
Living with PTSD or Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Both your mind and body can be affected, leaving you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.
Symptoms of PTSD
- Flashbacks and Nightmares: Reliving the trauma can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling on edge.
- Hypervigilance: Constantly feeling alert or anxious, as if danger is always near.
- Emotional Distress: Mood swings, irritability, depression, or a feeling of disconnection from others.
How PTSD Affects Daily Life
- Sleep Disruption: Nightmares and restlessness can leave you tired and drained during the day.
- Social Withdrawal: It can become difficult to engage in social activities, leading to isolation.
- Mental Fatigue: PTSD can cloud your ability to focus, concentrate, or stay productive at work or in daily tasks.
Feeling overwhelmed is a natural response to PTSD, but with the right support, you can begin to regain control of your life.
How can it be managed?
Managing PTSD starts with recognising the symptoms and seeking help. Small steps can make a big difference in helping you regain control over your life.
Effective Management Strategies
- Therapy: Talk Therapy, EMDR, and Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) are proven methods to manage PTSD.
- Medication: Antidepressants or other medications may help, and it’s worth discussing with your doctor.
- Support Networks: Charities, online resources, and support groups can connect you with others who understand what you’re going through.
Practical Tips for Daily Life
- Grounding Exercises: Use these techniques to stay present and reduce the intensity of flashbacks.
- Stress Management: Practices like deep breathing, mindfulness, and self-care can help ease anxiety.
- Small Adjustments: Simple changes, like using a clear shower curtain to reduce feelings of confinement, can improve comfort.
Healing is a personal journey, and it’s important to move at your own pace. By taking small steps and reaching out for help, you can begin to manage your symptoms and find moments of peace.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) offers a gentle, supportive way to manage PTSD by addressing trauma at a subconscious level. Trauma often embeds itself deep within the mind, leading to emotional distress that can feel overwhelming. SFH helps by guiding you into a relaxed state, allowing you to reframe how your mind responds to trauma.
How SFH Helps with PTSD
- Trigger Awareness: Hypnotherapy helps you recognise and reframe the triggers that set off PTSD symptoms.
- Deep Relaxation: Hypnotherapy enables your mind to respond to triggers with calm and control, reducing emotional intensity.
- Personalised Support: Each session is tailored to your needs, helping you process trauma in a safe, supportive environment.
Long-Term Benefits
- Resilience: SFH helps build emotional resilience, allowing you to manage triggers and maintain control.
- Complementary Therapy: SFH works well alongside other therapies, such as CBT or counselling, to provide a holistic approach to healing.
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy provides you with the tools to manage PTSD and rebuild your strength, offering hope and healing one step at a time.
Our Post traumatic stress disorder Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Carmen Harrington
Market Harborough
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Chris Johannes
Spalding
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone East
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Peter Ely
Islington
Victoria Anderson
Sunderland
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
