Search Results

Battling bipolar and PTSD - Maria's story

Last updated: 09/10/2023

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

This section has information about the symptoms and causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It explains who might develop PTSD and the treatment options.

“One thing the C-PTSD narrative lacks is hope” – Ida’s story

Last updated: 27/06/2024

What is PTSD?

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

What is post-traumatic stress disorder? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness. You can develop it after experiencing something that you find traumatic. This can includes seeing or hearing about something traumatic. Going through something ‘traumatic’ means that it frightens or distresses you. The symptoms of PTSD can start immediately...

The symptoms of PTSD

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

The symptoms of PTSD The main symptoms and behaviours associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include: Reliving the experience through flashbacks, unwanted memories, or nightmares Overwhelming emotions with the flashbacks, memories, or nightmares Often feeling like you are under threat You might be startled by things like unexpected noises Not...

Treatment for PTSD

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

Treatment for PTSD Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is mainly treated with talking therapies, medication, or a mixture of both. NICE make recommendation to the NHS about what treatment should be offered to patients for different conditions. NICE stands for National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. You can read the full NICE guidelines...

What is complex PTSD?

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

What is complex PTSD? Complex PTSD is a when you have some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and some additional ones too. Complex PTSD is sometimes known as c-PTSD, or CPTSD. If you have complex PTSD, you will have extra symptoms such as: severe issues controlling your emotions, an ongoing belief that you are worthless, with deep...

Supporting someone with PTSD

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

Supporting someone with PTSD How can I support the person I care for? You can do the following: Read information about PTSD for family and friends. Like, this information from PTSD UK, ‘I think my loved one has PTSD. What can I do?’ Ask the person you support to tell you what their symptoms are. Also, if they have any self-management techniques that...

Potential risks with PTSD

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

Potential risks with PTSD Alcohol and drug use Some people who live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) use drugs or alcohol to help manage the symptoms. Excessive drug or alcohol misuse can make you more unwell. It can make you more likely to try and harm yourself or take your own life. Read more about drugs, alcohol and mental health. Mental...

How is PTSD diagnosed?

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

How is PTSD diagnosed? After four weeks of experiencing trauma, it is best to see your GP if: you are still having problems about the experience, and the symptoms are troubling you. The earlier you get help, the better. Visit our symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) page to find out more. How can my GP help me? Your GP should talk to...

What causes PTSD?

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

What causes PTSD? You can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after going through something that frightens or distresses you. This can include seeing or hearing about something. This is known as going through, or experiencing something that is ‘traumatic.’ The traumatic experience might be out of your control. PTSD can be caused by experiencing,...

Other resources for PTSD

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

Other resources for PTSD Further reading Armed forces healthcareThe NHS can help if you are in military service or a veteran.Read about armed forces healthcare. How to manage after a traumatic eventThe Royal College of Psychiatrists' website explains what a traumatic event is and how to cope.Learn more about traumatic events. Racially based traumaThe...

What other help can I get for PTSD?

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

What other help can I get for PTSD? If you need urgent help for your mental health, you can: Contact NHS 111 for urgent mental health support: You can call NHS 111 or visit the 111 website You will need to answer some questions. They will refer you to an appropriate service or tell you what to do next. For other options, go to our get help now page....

What if I am not happy with my PTSD treatment or care?

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 11/04/2025

What if I am not happy with my PTSD treatment or care? You might not be happy with your care or treatment. You can talk to your healthcare professional about your concerns. If you are still not happy you can: ask for a second opinion, try to get an advocate, contact Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), or make a complaint.