Trauma
This page provides information and support about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD)
Overview of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by experiencing or witnessing a stressful, frightening or distressing event or serious injury.
- Any situation that a person finds traumatic can cause PTSD.
- Symptoms of PTSD can include: flashbacks, reoccurring memories, images or nightmares. Physical sensations like sweating, trembling, panick attacks, pain or feeling sick.
- PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity over time. Some people with PTSD learn to ‘manage’ their symptoms and have long periods when their symptoms are less noticeable, followed by periods where they get worse. Other people have constant severe symptoms.
- PTSD can be successfully treated, even when it develops many years after a traumatic event.
Help with trauma
Where do I get support?
Speak to your GP. They can refer you to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) or, in some cases, a specialist clinic.
You can also refer yourself to the Suffolk Wellbeing Service to access support services.
You can find other support from:
PTSD Resolution - a charity that helps Veterans, Reservists and Families who are struggling to reintegrate into a normal work & family life because of trauma suffered during service in the armed forces.
Op Courage (NHS) - Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. Specialist care and support for Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families. Referral forms are available by emailing: mevs@mhm.org.uk or phone: 0300 323 0137.
Suffolk Mind - offer counselling and a range of mental health support
Samaritans: Struggling with your thoughts and wellbeing? Call Samaritans’ free helpline on 116 123 day or night,
For a child or young person under 18 needing mental health support, you should contact, either:
Emotional Wellbeing Hub (East and West Suffolk)
Just One Norfolk (Lowestoft and Waveney)
Kooth - Counselling support for young people aged 11-25 years