PTSD Awareness Day
PTSD Awareness Day ~ You can see the scar, but you can't see the wound
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the second most common mental health condition in Australia.
About 5-10% of Australians will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives.
Signs and symptoms of PTSD
People with PTSD often experience feelings of panic or extreme fear. You may experience a range of emotional and physical responses depending on your experience. Someone with PTSD may
Be overly alert, have trouble sleeping/concentrating and constantly on the lookout for signs of danger.
Re-live the traumatic event through unwanted and recurring memories.
Avoid reminders of the event this can be people, places and certain experiences eg driving a car.
Feel emotionally numb, trouble to experience joy and connection with others.
What can you say to support someone with PTSD
It’s common for people with PTSD to feel like no one understands there experience “Sometimes my emotions aren’t a choice, my body just takes over and I have no control.” It’s important we move from a place of curiosity and compassion then judging, shaming and emotional shut down.
“What can I do to help you feel more safe and supported?”
“To better understand your experience and what you may need, please feel welcome to share any parts of your experience with me. If not that’s totally ok. I am here to listen and support you the best way I can”
“No wonder your experiencing these feelings, that makes a lot of sense”
When someone shares what they need its important not to dismiss or belittle their experience “What why? its not even that loud” “Going to the mall will take 20minutes, seriously its not that long”. We truly have no idea what the person is experiencing emotionally, physically or mentally. Remember the person with PTSD is doing their best to manage their triggers and experiences, its’ important we allow safe spaces to do so.
Please remember your health professional team are always available. If PTSD isn’t treated it can lead to other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, earlier support the better!