Mental Health & PTSD

What is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to a persons condition in regards to psychological and emotional well-being. There are several triggers which can cause ill mental health which can often relate to a form of sever trauma whether it is from childhood, emotional, physical or sexual abuse, early loss and neglect. Other factors include over loading of work leading to work-related stress, the sense of not achieving or even guilt. 

So what is PTSD? (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

This is a form of anxiety which is often caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event rather than the general stresses of life. This is often the case experienced by those who work in the Emergency Services/Armed Forces on the 'Front Line'. 

There are various forms of PTSD and sudden loss of a loved one can also be related to this. 

How long does it last?

Trauma PTSD is expected to last a few weeks/up to a month and if you continue to experience symptoms after this period, you should contact your GP for a proper diagnosis.

How do I recognise mental health/PTSD?

There are several symptoms which can indicate that someone is suffering from mental health or PTSD;

Mental Health

  • Feeling sad or down/ mood changes.
  • Feeling of confused
  • Withdrawn (Not their usual self)
  • Excessive fears or worries or often the feeling of guilt
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping

PTSD

  • Nightmares
  • Flashbacks
  • Distress when re-calling the traumatic event
  • Physical reactions of sweating, nausea or pounding heart
  • Losing interest in life and daily activities/not getting involved
  • Feeling of becoming emotionally numb and detached
  • Panic Attacks from the continuous over thinking/re-calling of the event

When should I talk to someone?

Now. If you have been suffering any of the above you should contact your GP or one of the advice lines which are recognised services below. If you recognise someone who you think is suffering you should talk to them and reassure them. Do not push, but try to let them know you are there and to open up. If at work, you should speak with a supervisor and let them know to recognise at an early stage. 

We can often feel trapped and overwhelmed and with the growing pressures of social media which can often lead to bullying and 'trolling' can be victims of modern technology. Kindness is key. Help each other. 

 

For further guidance, you can contact one of these trusted organisations:

 

MIND

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/

0300 123 3393

 

Rock2Recovery

https://rock2recovery.co.uk/contact/

01395 220072

(Emergency services and Armed Forces)

 

Combat Stress

https://www.combatstress.org.uk/about-us/contact-us

0800 138 1619

(Armed Forces)