Trauma & PTSD

Trauma happens when someone experiences or witnesses something deeply frightening, painful, or overwhelming.
For some people, these experiences lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Trauma reactions are normal responses to abnormal events — and they are treatable with the right support, including help from the NHS.

You are not weak. Your mind is trying to protect you.

Trauma can come from:

• Abuse or violence
   
• Accidents or injuries
   
• War or displacement
   
• Medical emergencies
   
• Loss of loved ones
   
• Childhood neglect
   
• Natural disasters
   

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD — but many still need support.

PTSD happens when the brain stays in “danger mode” long after the threat has passed.

It can affect:
✔️ Thoughts
✔️ Emotions
✔️ Sleep
✔️ Relationships
✔️ Physical health

✅ Flashbacks (reliving the event)
✅ Nightmares
✅ Intrusive memories
✅ Feeling unsafe all the time
✅ Guilt or shame
✅ Emotional numbness

✅ Racing heart
✅ Sweating
✅ Shaking
✅ Tension
✅ Fatigue

✅ Avoiding reminders
✅ Withdrawing from people
✅ Being easily startled
✅ Anger outbursts
✅ Hypervigilance (always alert)

If symptoms last more than 1 month and affect daily life, PTSD may be present.
 

• After one major traumatic event
   
• Flashbacks, nightmares, fear
   

• After long-term or repeated trauma
   
• Often from childhood abuse or neglect
   
• Includes low self-esteem and trust issues
   

• PTSD-like symptoms shortly after trauma
   
• Lasts days to weeks
   

Trauma affects the nervous system.

The brain learns:

“The world is dangerous — stay alert.”
 

Causes include:

🧠 Brain survival response
😞 Overwhelming fear
😴 Lack of safety after trauma
🤍 Lack of support
🧬 Past trauma history

These reactions are automatic — not chosen.

Recovery is possible. Many people heal with the right care.

• Trauma-focused CBT
   
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation)
   
• Counselling
   
• Group therapy
   

• Sometimes used for anxiety, sleep, or mood
   
• Prescribed and monitored by doctors
   

• Regular sleep routine
   
• Gentle exercise
   
• Safe routines
   
• Reducing alcohol
   
• Relaxation practice
   

• Calming music
   
• Breathing exercises
   
• Mindfulness
   
• Journaling
   
• Nature time
   

Use this when flashbacks or fear appear:

Name:

5️⃣ Things you see
4️⃣ Things you touch
3️⃣ Things you hear
2️⃣ Things you smell
1️⃣ Thing you taste

➡️ Brings your mind back to the present.

Get immediate support if you:

❗ Feel unsafe
❗ Have suicidal thoughts
❗ Are self-harming
❗ Feel out of control
❗ Cannot sleep for days
❗ Are using substances to cope

In the UK:
📞 Call 999 (emergency)
📞 Call 111 (urgent advice)

You deserve safety and care.

💙 Trauma changes you — but it does not break you.
💙 Healing is possible.
💙 Your story is not over.
💙 You are stronger than you know.
 

You are not alone in your healing journey.