Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD: Signs, Symptoms & Support in York, Manchester & online

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by witnessing or experiencing a very stressful, frightening, or distressing event.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can develop from exposure to repeated or sustained traumas and often presents itself with similar and sometimes additional symptoms.

Most people exposed to trauma will experience distress, but not everyone exposed to a traumatic experience will develop PTSD, which is longer-lasting and can impact everyday life. PTSD can develop weeks, months or years after a disturbing event.

Each instance of PTSD is different. Some people experience periods where their symptoms are less noticeable, followed by periods where they feel worse, others have constant severe symptoms.

 

Symptoms of PTSD

All emotions and behaviours you may feel after a traumatic experience are valid and a completely understandable response to what you have gone through.

 

Traumatic events can cause unsettling feelings that may  make you think that:

Your life is unpredictable

You have little control over your life

You cannot feel safe

It is hard to trust and connect with others

You need to avoid things which remind you of the distressing event

 

You may also experience uncomfortable physical symptoms such as:

Pain

Sweating

Sickness

Tembling

Startling easily

Trouble sleeping

Trauma flashbacks

Nightmares

Intrusive, upsetting memories

Feeling emotional numb, anxious, or irritable.

 

How to deal with PTSD

PTSD is a condition which can be successfully treated, even when it develops many years after a traumatic event.

Some tips to help you manage your PTSD include practicing relaxation techniques, looking after your physical health and avoiding drugs or alcohol. You may find it helpful to join a PTSD support group or reach out to a loved one to talk about how you are feeling. It is important to know your triggers, planning for any significant dates or events which may link to the traumatic experience. Remind yourself you are safe and most importantly you should give yourself time and treat yourself with compassion.

 

How we can help with PTSD

If you are struggling to deal with your symptoms of PTSD and they do not ease through talking and exploring ways to help manage it, it may be time to seek professional help.

We have an expert team who can offer you tailored therapies to help you manage your trauma, re-gain your self-confidence and come to terms with what you have been through.

Our team of expert therapists can offer you a range of specialist psychological therapies to suit your needs. Our starting point for therapy is to offer an individual consultation to think with you about your worries or concerns and identify the approach to therapy that is most likely to help.

As an independent therapy service, we are delighted to be able to provide a highly personalised approach, informed by clinical research and best practice, professional expertise, and your own preferences.

We understand that seeking therapy can be daunting and that taking the first step can be challenging. We have a team of trained experts who can work with you to design a bespoke and flexible treatment that works best, which is available at our clinics in York, Manchester and online.

Please get in touch using the form below to find out more about how we can help.