Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in people who have experienced a traumatic event that might have threatened their life or safety, or others around them. A person with PTSD may experience feelings of helplessness, horror or intense fear.
Flashback memories of the traumatic event are often relived, affecting a person physically and emotionally. People with PTSD may also experience nightmares, sweating, palpitations and panic, have trouble sleeping, experience anger or emotional outbursts, have feelings of hopelessness and of not feeling safe.
They may avoid things that remind them of the trauma they have experienced or be constantly on alert for threats. Some people experience no emotion, feel numb and may be unaware of things that are happening around them. Some people find that they react strongly to certain situations or things, or sounds or smells or touch etc. This could be because of a triggering of past traumatic experiences.
Some people may have experienced one or multiple traumatic events but not meet the psychiatric criteria for PTSD. However, some of these people may still be experiencing significant impacts as a result of these experiences.
Recovery on Line has information on the potential impact of trauma on adult’s brains and their lives, while the Australian Institute of Family Studies has information on the impact of trauma on children.
NSW Victim Services provide free counselling sessions to people who have had a crime committed against them in NSW. Other states may have a similar service if the crime was committed in a different State or Territory in Australia.
These organisations provide information and support for individuals, as well as family members, friends, and carers of a person who is experiencing PTSD.