Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may affect people who have experienced a traumatic event. There are many misconceptions about what causes people to develop PTSD, and many people associate the condition with soldiers returning from war, terrorist attacks or other large-scale traumas. In fact, PTSD can arise in response to almost any traumatic event, whether public or private. The misunderstanding of how the condition works is one reason why some people feel that they cannot report their symptoms or talk about their experiences.

At Switalskis, we want to break down those barriers and tackle misconceptions about PTSD symptoms and causes, to make sure everyone can get the help they need. This is important for us because of our work supporting survivors of child abuse. Many people develop PTSD in response to physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse. 

It's important to understand how post-traumatic stress disorder presents itself so that you can recognise the signs in yourself or your loved ones, and help people experiencing symptoms of PTSD to get the help they need.

Here, we outline some of the most common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, especially in the context of traumatic events that occurred in childhood.

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder

PTSD is associated with both mood symptoms and physical symptoms, and is different in every case. While we can identify some of the most common symptoms, it's important to speak to a medical professional if you believe you may be experiencing PTSD. Some of the signs you might encounter include:

Intrusive thoughts : These may be recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event, flashbacks in which you relive the event as if it were happening again, or nightmares. You may also experience severe emotional distress or have physical reactions to events that remind you of your trauma.

Avoidance : This involves trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event. It may mean that you avoid places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event, which may also affect your day-to-day life. These are known as traumatic event avoidance symptoms, and may be conscious or unconscious, but are often a sign that you should seek counselling or other mental health support. Avoidance is a major reason why survivors of child sex abuse don’t come forward for many years.

Negative thoughts : PTSD may manifest as negative thoughts about oneself or others that seem to arise for no particular reason, which can include:

• hopelessness about the future
• memory problems
• difficulty maintaining close relationships
• feeling detached from family, friends and loved ones
• a lack of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• difficulty experiencing positive emotions
• emotional numbness

Changes in physical and emotional reactions : These changes are also called arousal symptoms, and may include:

• being easily startled or frightened
• always being on guard for danger
• self-destructive behaviour (such as drinking too much or driving too fast)
• trouble sleeping
• a lack of focus or difficulty concentrating
• general irritability
• angry outbursts or other aggressive behaviour
• overwhelming feelings of guilt or shame

Even if you do not believe you have PTSD, you should speak to a doctor about these symptoms as soon as you can. It's important to remember that help is available, and the first step is to speak to a professional about your feelings.

Help with PTSD symptoms

As we've said above, you should contact your GP and ask for a referral to a mental health professional who is experienced in treating PTSD (such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor) if you experience any of these symptoms. The earlier you are treated, the more effective the treatment is likely to be. This can also prevent symptoms from worsening and begin the healing process.

If you don't know who to talk to about the challenges you're facing, you can book an appointment with your GP or another healthcare provider. They can discuss your symptoms and either prescribe a treatment, or give you a referral to a mental health specialist if you need one. If you're concerned about your symptoms and waiting a long time for treatment, there are also private healthcare services available. Sometimes if you make a compensation claim, an organisation will pay for therapy free of charge to you.

If you're waiting for treatment, or you're not sure you're ready to take that step, you can reach out to several organisations in the UK for support. If your PTSD stems from abuse you experienced in childhood, for example, you can contact the Survivors Trust for help. They’ll find an organisation in your area who can help. You could consider joining a survivor support group where you can meet other people who have faced similar experiences. Sharing your story and hearing others can provide comfort and understanding, and help you to decide whether or not you need professional help.

It's also important to take care of yourself more generally. Engage in activities that help you relax and take your mind off things. Exercise, mindfulness practices, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep can all help you to reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing. However, none of these approaches can replace a formal treatment plan from a doctor or mental health professional.

Recovery

The healing process after any type of physical or emotional abuse in your childhood can be complicated, and it's different for everyone. Finding the right mental health support can be one of the biggest steps, but it's not the only thing you can do on the road to overcoming your trauma. Speaking to a mental health professional will help you to begin the process of opening up and talking about your experiences, and more support and opportunities will be available to you once you start to come to terms with your abuse and feel more comfortable sharing your story.

One option that gives many survivors comfort is to take legal action. The options that are available to you in this area will depend on a number of factors, including when the abuse occurred and how much evidence is available. There is no "statute of limitations" on child abuse crimes, which means that it may still be possible to pursue a criminal conviction against your abuser.

Even if this is not possible, many survivors do not realise that they may be entitled to child abuse compensation for their experiences. If you developed post-traumatic stress disorder or any other mental health problems due to abuse that you faced, or if you were injured by physical abuse, you may be able to make a claim. This can deliver both compensation for the pain, suffering and emotional distress you felt, and a sense of justice that can support your healing journey. You will not have to face your abuser in court, which can make the process easier for you if you are experiencing mental health problems or symptoms of PTSD.

At Switalskis, our solicitors can offer confidential support, by listening to your story and advising you on the legal options that are available to you. Our firm has a strong track record of representing adult survivors of child abuse to get justice for historical cases, and to secure the maximum amount of compensation to which they are entitled.

If you want to talk about your experiences and learn more about the actions you can take, speak to our team today. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch through our website .