Post Traumatic Stress
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition that can develop after a person suffers a traumatic event, such as:
50% of young Afghan asylum seekers arrive in the UK with PTSD
30% of veterans from the Vietnam war experience PTSD
66% of prisoners of war suffer from symptoms of PTSD
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PTSD?
ANGER
Getting easily irritated and finding it hard to control your temper
INSOMNIA
You can’t fall asleep and you keep waking up during the night
HYPER-VIGILANCE
Feeling on-edge or that you are on “red alert” all the time
FLASHBACKS
When you feel like a memory from the past is happening to you right now
NIGHTMARES
Having bad dreams, night-terrors or shouting out loud in your sleep
SUICIDE
Feeling like you want to die, or having thoughts of killing yourself
Treatments for PTSD
EMDR
Is the new therapy for PTSD. Studies show it is more helpful than counselling. It helps to “re-process” the traumatic memory so it stops feeling like it is still happening.
Medication
like anti-depressant pills or sleeping tablets is common. It can help to manage the symptoms but it does not cure the problem that caused them.
Relaxation
involves things like yoga, meditation or tai chi. Some people find this helps them bring down their stress and cope better with their lives.
Resilience
can be improved through attending support groups, counselling, CBT, exercise, staying healthy and not self-medicating through drugs and alcohol.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FEEL SUICIDAL
TALK
Don’t keep it all to yourself
GET HELP
Visit your GP or doctor for advice
SUPPORT
The Samaritans can give support: 08457 909090
EMERGENCIES
You can visit the A&E at hospital or call 999
