I think I am suffering from post-traumatic stress, what support is available to me?

If you have experienced a traumatic event, you are not alone. Many people experience traumatic events. The feelings and symptoms you experience are a normal reaction to a traumatic situation. 

Typical reactions to a traumatic event:-

• Nightmares
• Memories or pictures of the event unexpectedly popping into your mind
• Feeling as if it is actually happening again
• Not wanting to think or talk about the event
• Avoiding anything that will remind you of it
• Getting angry or upset more easily
• Not being able to concentrate
• Not being able to sleep
• Being more jumpy and on the lookout for danger
• Difficulty being on your own when you were previously independent

You can try and relieve some of the symptoms by adopting some of the behaviours below:-

• Keep a regular routine
• Prioritise good sleep habits
• Express your feelings by talking to friends and family or through keeping a journal
• Find ways to relax to relieve tension and help you sleep
• Practice self-compassion
• Try to spend time connecting with people and things you care about and enjoy

When you might need further support

If it’s several weeks after the traumatic event and there is no sign of your reactions to it getting better, then it’s important to seek further support. You can contact your GP or seek support by contacting the Centre of Wellbeing. You may also find useful the information on Coping after a traumatic event provided by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.