Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

 

PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing trauma. Trauma can be anything deeply distressing — not just combat or war, but abuse, accidents, medical trauma, loss, or other overwhelming events. PTSD changes the way the brain processes stress and memory, making past events feel painfully present.

 

Symptoms

 

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the trauma

• Nightmares or vivid, distressing dreams

• Avoidance of reminders (places, people, conversations)

• Hypervigilance (feeling constantly on edge, scanning for danger)

• Emotional numbness or detachment

• Outbursts of anger, irritability, or sudden fear

• Anxiety, depression, or difficulty concentrating

 

Living With PTSD

 

PTSD isn’t just ‘remembering’ a bad event. It’s reliving it, often without warning. The body responds as if the trauma is happening again, bringing fear, pain, or panic into the present moment. Everyday life can feel unsafe, unpredictable, and exhausting.

 

“PTSD makes the past feel like the present. Even when nothing is happening around you, your body reacts as though it is. It can take away your sense of safety in the world.”

 

PTSD can ripple through relationships, work, and family life. Many people hide their struggles, feeling misunderstood or judged.

 

Research & Treatments

 

PTSD is linked to how the brain stores and processes traumatic memories. It affects areas like the amygdala (fear response), hippocampus (memory), and prefrontal cortex (thinking and control).

 

Current treatments include:

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• Trauma-focused CBT or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

• Medications (antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs)

• Support groups and safe spaces for survivors

• Grounding and self-regulation techniques (breathing, sensory focus)

 

Support & Links

 

• Mind UK – PTSD – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/

• NHS – PTSD – https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/

• PTSD UK – https://www.ptsduk.org/

• QuietPower TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@quietpoweruk

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This page is for support and awareness, not medical advice. Always speak to your GP or a qualified specialist about diagnosis and treatment.