आघात और PTSD: सामान्य प्रतिक्रियाएँ और उपचार विकल्प

After a frightening or violent event, it is common to feel shaken, on edge or unable to stop thinking about what happened. For many people these reactions ease over the following weeks with rest and support.

For some, the distress continues and starts to shape daily life. This may be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This guide explains common reactions, the signs of PTSD and complex PTSD, and the PTSD treatment options recommended in Australian guidelines.

What counts as trauma?

A traumatic event is one where you experience, witness or learn about a threat of death, serious injury or sexual violence. Examples include car and workplace accidents, physical or sexual assault, family violence, natural disasters, war, sudden loss and serious medical events.

Trauma can also come from repeated exposure over time. This includes childhood abuse or neglect, ongoing family violence, and work that involves regular contact with distressing events, such as emergency services or health care.

Not everyone who goes through trauma develops ongoing problems. How people respond depends on many things, including the type of event, past experiences, health and the support available afterwards.

यह लेख सामान्य जानकारी है। कृपया अपनी स्थिति के बारे में किसी योग्य स्वास्थ्य पेशेवर से बात करें।.

Common reactions after trauma

Phoenix Australia, a national centre for posttraumatic mental health, explains in its recovery guide that strong feelings of fear, sadness, guilt, anger or grief are common soon after a traumatic event. You might also notice:

• upsetting memories or dreams about the event
• feeling jumpy, tense or easily startled
• trouble sleeping or concentrating
• feeling numb or detached from others
• wanting to avoid reminders

These are normal responses to an abnormal event. Many people recover naturally with support from family, friends and community. Phoenix Australia advises that if you are still struggling to cope 2 weeks or more after a traumatic event, you should talk to your GP.

In the first weeks, practical help, information and emotional support are useful. The Australian PTSD Guidelines advise against routine individual or group psychological debriefing, and recommend these supports instead.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after trauma. Healthdirect describes four main groups of symptoms:

• Re-experiencing: intrusive memories, flashbacks or nightmares, and strong physical reactions to reminders.
• Avoidance: avoiding places, people, conversations or thoughts linked to the event.
• Negative thoughts and mood: guilt, shame, numbness, loss of interest, or feeling cut off from others.
• Increased alertness: always being on guard, being easily startled, and problems with sleep and concentration.

PTSD is considered when these symptoms last more than a month and cause distress or problems in daily life. Symptoms usually start soon after the event but sometimes appear months later.

PTSD is common. The ऑस्ट्रेलियाई सांख्यिकी ब्यूरो found that 5.6% of Australians aged 16 to 85 had PTSD in the previous 12 months. Rates were higher in females (7.4%) than males (3.7%).

Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD can develop after repeated or prolonged trauma, often where escape was difficult, such as childhood abuse or long-term family violence. Along with PTSD symptoms, people may have ongoing difficulties managing emotions, feel deeply ashamed or worthless, and find relationships hard.

Recommended PTSD treatment options

The Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Complex PTSD were developed by Phoenix Australia and approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). For adults with PTSD, the guidelines make strong recommendations for these trauma-focused psychological treatments.

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)

CPT helps you identify and change stuck beliefs about the trauma, yourself and the world, such as it was my fault or nowhere is safe.

Cognitive therapy (CT)

Trauma-focused cognitive therapy looks at how you make sense of the trauma and its effects, identifies triggers and avoidance, and helps you reclaim parts of life that trauma has taken over.

Prolonged exposure (PE)

PE involves gradually and safely revisiting the memory of the trauma and approaching avoided situations, so that they lose their power over time.

Trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT combines gradual exposure to memories and reminders with skills for managing anxiety and changing unhelpful thoughts.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR involves recalling the trauma memory while following guided eye movements or other side-to-side stimulation, which can reduce the distress linked to the memory.

दवा

According to the guidelines, certain antidepressants may be considered, for example if psychological treatment is not available or not wanted, or if you have other conditions such as depression. A GP or psychiatrist can discuss this with you.

What trauma therapy is like

Many people worry that therapy will mean reliving the worst moments of their life. A good trauma therapist goes at a pace you can manage. Early sessions usually focus on understanding your reactions, building trust and learning ways to handle strong emotions.

Talking about the trauma is done step by step, with your consent. It can feel harder for a while before it gets easier, which is a normal part of recovery. You stay in control, and you can pause or slow down at any time.

Phoenix Australia’s patient treatment guide is a helpful resource if you want to learn more about each option before you start.

Looking after yourself along the way

• Keep regular routines for sleep, meals and exercise.
• Stay connected with people you trust, even in small ways.
• Limit alcohol and other drugs, which can worsen sleep and mood.
• Be patient. Recovery is rarely a straight line.

Getting help and staying safe

If you have been through trauma and are finding it hard to cope, you do not have to wait until it becomes severe. Your GP can assess you, check your physical health and refer you to a psychologist. You can also book directly with a psychologist.

If you are in danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For support with domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. The Blue Knot Helpline (1300 657 380) supports adult survivors of complex trauma.

Supporting someone after trauma

Let the person know you are there and willing to listen, without pushing them to talk. Offer practical help, such as meals, transport or help with paperwork. Be patient with changes in mood or sleep, and gently encourage them to see a GP if they are still struggling after a couple of weeks. Look after your own wellbeing too.

Invictus Health कैसे मदद कर सकता है

Our psychologists provide trauma-informed परामर्श और नैदानिक मनोविज्ञान in person at our Preston clinic in Melbourne and by telehealth across Australia. Check with us about which practitioners offer the trauma-focused therapies described above.

If trauma followed a work injury, car accident or crime, we also provide independent medico-legal assessments. You can book an appointment or view our शुल्क और छूट.