Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Understanding and Healing After Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Whether the trauma is a serious accident, violence, natural disaster, or loss, PTSD can affect anyone.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with persistent distress after trauma, it is important to know that help is available and recovery is possible.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder causes intense, long-lasting emotional and physical reactions to reminders of the traumatic event. Unlike normal stress responses, PTSD symptoms persist for months or even years and can interfere significantly with daily life.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms often fall into four main categories:
– Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories, flashbacks, or nightmares.
– Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, or activities that trigger reminders of the trauma.
– Negative Thoughts and Mood: Feelings of guilt, shame, numbness, or hopelessness.
– Changes in Arousal: Being easily startled, feeling constantly tense, or experiencing angry outbursts.
Symptoms may appear soon after the event or be delayed for months.
Causes and Risk Factors
While anyone exposed to severe trauma can develop PTSD, certain factors increase the risk, including:
– Experiencing prolonged or repeated trauma
– A personal or family history of mental health issues
– Lack of social support after the event
– High levels of stress in daily life
Understanding these risk factors can help individuals and families seek support sooner.
Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The good news is that PTSD is treatable. Effective care often combines therapy, medication, and self-care strategies.
Psychotherapy
Evidence-based therapies are the cornerstone of PTSD treatment. These may include:
– Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe unhelpful thoughts and reduce avoidance behaviours.
– Trauma-Focused CBT: Specialised approaches for processing traumatic memories safely.
– Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): A structured therapy to help reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories.
Medication
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may help manage symptoms like insomnia, low mood, or irritability.
Support and Self-Care
Building a supportive network and learning relaxation techniques can help manage symptoms and promote recovery.
At Maudsley Health in Abu Dhabi, our multidisciplinary team tailors treatment plans to each individual’s unique needs.
When to Seek Help
If you have experienced trauma and are struggling with persistent symptoms that affect your daily life, professional support can help you heal. You are not alone—many people recover fully with the right care.
Registration closes 1st June
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Take the First Step Toward Recovery
At Maudsley Health, we offer confidential, evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Our experienced psychologists and psychiatrists are dedicated to helping you regain a sense of safety, control, and hope.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation and start your journey toward healing.
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