Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Recently completing a certificate in Disaster Mental Health Counselling as part of my ongoing commitment to professional development, I have a much greater insight as to the way in which PTSD is identified and treated.

When people have immediate access to a Counsellor following a traumatic event, there is less likelihood for them to develop PTSD.

Even if the initial counselling is brief, it creates a bridge, an open door for the person to step through if they feel some extra sessions would be of benefit at a convenient and appropriate time.

However, in many deep seated traumatic circumstances, these incidents have occurred in childhood and have remained hidden for years until at some point it has just become too difficult for the person to bear any more.

Trauma can present itself in a plethora of ways from… being lost, involved in an accident of some form, being a victim of violence or abuse, a recipient of bullying, witnessing an accident, a violent act, a crime, receiving bad news, being in a relationship breakdown and so many more.

It can also manifest from human made, or natural, disasters on a grand scale, war, acts of terrorism, health epidemics, plane, rail, bus, car carnage where multiple lives have been lost or affected.

In these areas the layers of those affected becomes complex and can include but not be limited to:

  • The victim
  • The witness
  • The first responders
  • The returning servicemen and women,
  • The displaced families and communities of refugees

Any of these circumstances can result in PTSD if there is delay in providing that initial connection of empathy, support, care, guidance, and unconditional regard.

Counselling Intervention is vital to aid recovery and may need to be in place for some time. As well as counselling it is common for other health professionals to be involved during this process, in the interests of receiving the best and most appropriate care.

If you feel the need to speak to a specialised and qualified counsellor about anything to do with PTSD, then contact Pam now.