Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Day - 27th June

As it is PTSD (Post Traumatic Awareness Day) this month, I thought it would be appropriate to make this week’s article about the subject.
 
Running Manual Therapy Sessions & Pilates Classes, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder wouldn’t be something I treat directly, that’s why I am just here to provide you with some information that I have found useful. The two main sources I used were the NHS website & the Mind.org website.

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What is it – PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder. It may develop after witnessing or being involved in traumatic events. The conditions were first witnessed in war veterans, however there a wide range of traumatic events which can lead to PTSD.
 
Causes of PTSD – There is not a set list of events which could cause PTSD, as we will all deal with traumatic events different from one person to another; however here are some examples that can lead to PTSD:

• Serious road accidents
• Violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery
• Sexual abuse, violence or serve neglect
• Witnessing violent deaths
• Military combat
• Being held hostage
• Terrorist attacks
• Natural disasters, such as serve floods, earthquakes or tsunamis

 
Symptoms of PTSD – Again this will vary and everyone’s experience of PTSD is unique to them. These can include:

• Flashbacks of event
• Nightmares
• Distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma
• Disturbed sleeping patterns
• Symptoms of anxiety
• Feeling emotionally numb or cut off from feelings
• Overwhelming feelings of anger, sadness, guilt or shame

 
Complex PTSD: When suffering repeated traumatic experiences, complex PTSD may be diagnosed. The symptoms of complex PTSD can be similar to the ones previously mentioned above. Complex PTSD is thought to be more severe if:

• The event happened earlier in life
• The trauma was caused by a patient or carer
• The person experienced the trauma for a long time
• The person was alone during the trauma
• There is still contact with the person responsible for the trauma

 
PTSD Treatment: According to the NHS website the treatments can include the following:

• Watchful waiting
• Psychotherapy
• Antidepressants

 
The mind.org website also includes Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) as treatment. The site also includes some advice for self care which can include:

• Focus on your breathing – The breathing technique here is similar to the breathing technique members of my Pilates classes will be familiar with
• Carry an object which reminds you of the present
• Tell yourself you are safe
• Keep a diary

 
All information in this article came from the NHS website and also mind.org website. I would recommend visiting them for lots more useful information.
 
Remember Post traumatic stress disorder day is on the Tuesday the 27th June.

Reference
NHS Website - http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Post-traumatic-stress-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Mind.org website:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/about-ptsd/#.WT0fMOvyvIU

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About the author
My name is Alex Moore & I'm a Manual Therapist & Pilates instructor who works across the south of England. My manual therapy covers a range of different disciplines which include: Massage, Biomechanics & Pilates. I work with a range of clients, who suffer with a range of different issues such as Back pain, Sciatica, Frozen shoulder, Hip bursitis, plantar fasciitis & more.
I work from my home studio in Poole and also hold Pilates classes around Corfe Mullen, Broadstone, Poole, Wareham, Bearwood & Wimborne.