Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition that develops after a person survives a frightening ordeal. The condition can last for a few months after the trauma or for the rest of the victim’s life. 

It’s a global problem, which affects people all over the world regardless of country and culture; 259.2 million people suffered from PTSD in the past year.

Its no surprise really, considering 60% of all women and 50% of men suffer from at least one traumatic experience in their lifetime, and 20% go on to develop a PTSD, yet again, these disorders go undiagnosed and awareness remains low. 30% of these cases carry on into lifelong disorders. That’s a lot of people living their lives without treatment and help for their suffering.

PTSD is common in children.  Over 60% of children experienced or witnesses at least one traumatic event in the year of 2009.

·      46% experienced physical assault
·      25% witnessed violence
·      10% experienced child maltreatment
·      6% experienced sexual abuse

These traumas carry on into adult life and it’s said that 21% of adults raised in foster care suffer lifelong PTSD symptoms.

Many cases go unnoticed and undiagnosed, that is a lot of traumatised children growing into traumatised adults unassisted. 

PTSD in the military. Unsurprisingly, 26% of OCO veterans are treated for PTSD and OCO military members commit 50% of suicides among active-duty service members.

Domestic abuse also contributes highly to adult PTSD sufferers.

·      1 in 4 women will face domestic abuse in their lifetimes
·      25% of women and 8% of men will face sexual assault in their lifetimes
·      85% of women and 15% of men will suffer domestic abuse
·      There is a 49% chance of developing a PTSD after rape/sexual assault 

There is still stigma surrounding PTSD and yet, as long as traumatic experiences exist, so will PTSD.  We need to work together to support those suffering and help remove the stigma in order for people to never feel ashamed about coming forward with a mental health order and to know that assistance and support is always available.

There is still stigma surrounding PTSD and yet, as long as traumatic experiences exist, so will PTSD.  We need to work together to support those suffering and help remove the stigma in order for people to never feel ashamed about coming forward with a mental health order and to know that assistance and support is always available. 

If you, or a loved one are suffering from PTSD we are here to help through our schemes and support groups, we believe everyone should have good access to support when it comes to mental health.