Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is something we often associate with military personnel, however you don't have to have seen active service to be affected by PTSD. Recent reports show that Dr's and other healthcare 

workers are experiencing these symptoms after the traumatic experience of the 2020 Covid 19 pandemic. Nadia Whittome Britain’s youngest MP at 23 is also currently taking a leave of absence due to PTSD.

So, what is it? 

In it's simplest terms it is a mental health disorder that can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed a severe trauma. While it was first noticed in veterans and sometimes referred to as 'shell shock' or 'combat trauma', as I mentioned earlier it is not only veterans who suffer from it. PTSD symptoms may develop immediately after the traumatic event but can also occur weeks, months or years afterwards. Not everyone who has experienced a traumatic event will suffer from PTSD, but this does not mean that those who do have a specific weakness or are less mentally stable, in fact there is no specific reason why this is and medical experts have yet to come to any conclusion on this.

There are also different types of PTSD

• Delayed onset PTSD

If symptoms occur more than 6 months after the trauma this is known as 'Delayed onset PTSD'

• Complex PTSD

If you repeatedly experienced trauma especially at a young age or it lasted for a long time, this is referred to as 'complex PTSD'. Complex PTSD could be caused by childhood abuse or neglect, ongoing domestic violence or abuse, repeatedly witnessing violence or abuse, being forced or manipulated into prostitution, torture, kidnapping slavery or being a prisoner of war. Complex PTSD is relatively new as a diagnosis and can sometimes be confused with Borderline Personality Disorder as a lot of the symptoms are the same.

• Birth trauma

This is when PTSD develops after a traumatic experience during childbirth - such as difficult, long and painful delivery, unplanned caesarean section or other shocking, unexpected experience during birth

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

PTSD has many different symptoms and can affect people differently. There may be any or all of the following:

• Flashbacks or reliving events - feeling like the trauma is happening right now
• Nightmares
• Pain
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Constant negative thoughts about the experience
• Feelings of guilt or shame
• Repetitive and distressing images or sensations
• Avoidance - anything that reminds you of the trauma
• Emotional numbing - trying not to feel anything at all
• Hyper arousal -feeling anxious and find it difficult to relax, constantly on edge

Often these symptoms, if left unchecked can lead to other mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, addiction and suicide. Getting treatment is essential. Research suggests that around 3 in 100

people may develop PTSD at some point in their life. Of course, it is natural to experience some symptoms after experiencing or witnessing a trauma but if these persist for more than 4 weeks or you have particularly

troublesome symptoms then you may be suffering from PTSD.

Overcoming the stigma

As with all mental health disorders there is often a stigma attached to a diagnosis of PTSD. This can be especially true in areas such as the military, where a 'man up' 'or get over it' attitude can be prevalent, in fact a recent study (Iversen at al, 2011) found that military personnel (both serving and ex) were more likely to report internalised stigma and barriers to psychological care compared to those with non PTSD mental health problems. This stigma can stop people asking for the help they need so it is absolutely critical that we work to remove this.

If you think someone might be suffering from PTSD then look out for

• Behavioural changes - taking time off work
• Mood changes anger or irritability

Give the person time to talk, give them a sympathetic ear and ask them questions. Support them, be there for them, recommend asking for treatment or help but don't force them. People suffering from PTSD may not seem like the person you know and love, but they are just experiencing a difficult mental health issue and you should try not to take distance, irritability or angry behaviour personally. It is OK for you to ask for help as well as living with someone going through this experience can be hard. there is a lot of support out there. Here are some useful links that will provide more information on PTSD and how to live with.

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/ptsd-in-military-veterans.htm

https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-from-caring-for-someone-with-ptsd-2797408

https://support.veteransgateway.org.uk/app/answers/detail/a_id/724/~/mental-health-q%26a-for-veterans%2C-spouses-and-dependants

Most importantly remember, there is no shame in PTSD. None of us know how we will react or process trauma. We are all different and our brains work differently. Asking for help is NEVER a weakness. There are specific techniques that can be used in Hypnotherapy to help you process trauma and overcome PTSD. If you would like to discuss these further, then don’t hesitate to get in touch



References

Iversen AC, van Staden L, Hughes JH, Greenberg N, Hotopf M, Rona RJ, et al. The stigma of mental health problems and other barriers to care in the UK Armed Forces. BMC Health Serv Res. 2011;11(1):31