TRAUMA & PTSD
Traumatic incidents are those in which someone is exposed to, or witnesses someone else being exposed to, a serious threat of death, injury or sexual violence.
Examples of traumas include:
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A serious motor vehicle accident
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Being physically assaulted
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War
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Natural disasters
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Sexual assault or abuse
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Being seriously ill with a risk of death
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Learning that a friend or family member died suddenly (e.g., as a result of an assault or an accident), was involved in a life threatening event, was seriously injured, was physically or sexually assaulted.
Many people who experience a traumatic event commonly report post-traumatic stress reactions in the initial weeks after trauma. However, if these symptoms persist beyond the first month, they may have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
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Re-living the traumatic event (through unwanted memories, vivid nightmares, flashbacks, or intense reactions such as heart palpitations or panic when reminded of the event)
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Feeling wound up (having trouble sleeping or concentrating, feeling angry or irritable, taking risks, being easily startled or constantly on the lookout for danger)
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Avoidance (of reminders of the event such as activities, places, people, thoughts or feelings that bring back memories of the trauma)
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Negative thoughts and feelings (fear, anger, guilt, or feeling flat or numb a lot of the time; or loss of interest in day-to-day activities and feeling cut off from friends and family)
There are some very effective treatments that exist for PTSD, which can provide much needed relief for those suffering from it. All our Clinicians are very experienced in the use of Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD.
One of our clinicians, Srishti Yadav, works in one of Australia's most renowned centres for PTSD treatment and research. She has many years of experience working with individuals affected by PTSD. She also has a special interest in working with Emergency Service Workers affected by trauma during their line of duty.
