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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a frightening, distressing or life-threatening event. It is the mind's way of staying on high alert long after the danger has passed.

On site, this could follow a serious accident, a near miss, a fall from height, or finding a colleague injured. Outside work it can follow road accidents, assaults, military service, sudden bereavement or abuse. Symptoms usually start within a month of the event, but they can appear months or even years later.

PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It can happen to anyone, and it is treatable.

What are the signs of PTSD?

1. Re-living the event:

  • Flashbacks: Feeling as if the event is happening again.
  • Nightmares: Distressing dreams about the event.
  • Intrusive thoughts: Unwanted memories or images that pop into your head.
  • Physical reactions: Sweating, shaking, nausea or a racing heart when reminded of what happened.

2. Avoidance and numbing:

  • Avoiding people, places or tasks that remind you of the event, such as a particular site or piece of kit.
  • Refusing to talk about what happened.
  • Feeling emotionally numb, detached or cut off from others.

3. Being on edge (hyperarousal):

  • Irritability and angry outbursts.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Being easily startled by noises.
  • Constantly scanning for danger.
  • Difficulty concentrating.

4. Other effects:

  • Feelings of guilt or blame, including "survivor's guilt".
  • Drinking or using drugs to cope.
  • Depression and anxiety.

What are the statistics for PTSD in the UK?

Prevalence: The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (2014) found that around 4 in 100 adults in England screened positive for PTSD.

After trauma: The Royal College of Psychiatrists estimates that around 1 in 3 people who experience a traumatic event go on to develop PTSD.

Treatment gap: Many people with PTSD are never diagnosed. Symptoms are often put down to stress, anger or a drinking problem.

Treatment: NICE recommends trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR). Both have strong evidence behind them.

Where to get help with PTSD UK?

Always call 999 if you are in need of urgent help. If you are looking for support with PTSD, here are a few options:

PTSD UK: A charity dedicated to raising awareness of PTSD and providing information on symptoms and treatment.
Website: https://www.ptsduk.org/

Mind: Information and support for anyone affected by trauma and PTSD.
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/
Infoline: 0300 123 3393

Combat Stress: Support for UK military veterans experiencing PTSD and other mental health conditions.
Helpline: 0800 138 1619 (24/7)

Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity: Free, confidential support for construction workers and their families.
Helpline: 0345 605 1956 (24/7)

NHS Talking Therapies: In England you can refer yourself for free trauma-focused therapy without seeing your GP. Search "NHS Talking Therapies" on the NHS website, or speak to your GP.

Samaritans:
Helpline: 116 123 (24/7, free to call)

You don't have to carry what you saw alone. Talking to someone is the first step towards getting better.

Conditions and diagnoses

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