PTSD involves bursts of anxiety that happen after a person experiences a major emotional shock following a stressful event or trauma. PTSD can be brought on by being involved in or witnessing distressing situations such as:
• war • a major accident • a natural disaster (bush fire, hurricane or cyclone) • violence and sexual, physical, emotional or verbal abuse • being neglected - not being nurtured enough or being abandoned • trauma associated with having a chronic illness (e.g. being isolated in hospital for long periods, experiencing unpleasant medical procedures).
The symptoms of PTSD include:
• flashbacks e.g. upsetting intrusive thoughts about a distressing event • nightmares • difficulty sleeping • loss of interest in activities the person used to find enjoyable • feeling on edge/irritable • being very alert and easily startled • difficulty concentrating • finding it hard to remember parts of the traumatic event.
Approximately 8 per cent of people in Australia are affected by PTSD at some time in their lives.
At Counselling & Therapy Associates we offer a range of treatments for PTSD. To book a session with one of our therapists, simply click here.