What is PTSD? Understanding and support

If you think you could be living with PTSD, you aren’t alone.

In this article, we will explore what PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) is, the factors that may contribute to it, and ways you can manage and recover with the right support and strategies.

Remember, if you’re concerned about PTSD or any related symptoms, it’s important to seek professional medical advice.

What is PTSD?

According to Health Direct, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that may develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.

Trauma can feel overwhelming, and Lifeline explains that the long-lasting effects can have a significant impact on everyday life.

These events can range from physical or emotional, such as accidents, natural disasters, or long-term exposure to challenging environments, like abuse or violence.

PTSD looks different for each individual, with trauma responses being unique to their circumstances.

It is essential to understand that PTSD is not about weakness—society must remove barriers and create supportive environments that help people living with PTSD thrive.

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD can manifest in various ways, depending on the person. Some common symptoms, as explained by Black Dog Institute, include:

• Reliving the trauma through memories, intrusive thoughts, or nightmares
• Avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of the traumatic experience
• Changes in mood or difficulty recalling details of the trauma
• Feeling anxious, finding it hard to concentrate, or acting recklessly

It’s important to reach out to a mental health professional if you think you might be living with PTSD. No symptom is too small to discuss, and seeking help early can make a big difference.

To learn more, head to our deep-dive blog on PTSD symptoms and how to know if you have it.

Causes of PTSD

While experiencing trauma is at the root of PTSD, not everyone who encounters trauma will develop this condition. Health Direct explains that several factors can influence a person’s reaction, including:

• Age at the time of the trauma
• Genetic factors
• Personal coping mechanisms
• How the person views and processes the event

Everyone reacts to trauma differently, and it’s vital to consider these individual factors when thinking about PTSD.

Daily challenges of living with PTSD

Living with PTSD can bring many challenges, which may impact a person’s day-to-day life. According to Better Health Channel, these can include:

• Finding or keeping a job
• Completing daily tasks
• Connecting with friends and family
• Managing stress and emotional exhaustion
• Avoiding triggers, which might affect social participation or attending events

It’s essential to acknowledge that these challenges are not due to the person’s PTSD alone but often stem from societal barriers that make it harder for people living with PTSD to participate fully.

With the right strategies and support people living with PTSD can overcome these barriers and lead fulfilling lives.

 Treatment and management of PTSD

Although it can take time, Mayo Clinic explains that if you have the right support in place PTSD is a condition that is extremely treatable, and that most people recover from.

If you think you might be living with PTSD, it's important you visit a GP as soon as possible to get the right treatment plan in place.

Black Dog Institute explains that your treatment plan may consist of a combination of both medical, psychological and self-help strategies, such as:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a type of talking therapy and is the main form of treatment for PTSD.

It can help you to process traumatic memories, understand how your thoughts, feelings and behaviours are connected, and develop coping strategies for managing your symptoms.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used type of psychotherapy for PTSD.

Medication

Some individuals may benefit from medication to manage symptoms. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed alongside therapy, but it’s important to follow the advice of a healthcare professional.

Self-help strategies

Along with support from medical professionals, there are a number of self-help strategies you can use to help manage your PTSD symptoms.

Some great strategies you can try yourself include getting regular exercise, joining a support group, staying connected to your support network of family and friends, practising mindfulness techniques, and connecting with other people who have had similar experiences to you.

Taking time to relax and do activities that you enjoy can also help to reduce stress levels.

Common misconceptions about PTSD

There are many common misconceptions surrounding PTSD, some of which include: 

• PTSD is just in your head: PTSD is actually a recognised and treatable mental health condition.
• Only soldiers or veterans develop PTSD: Anyone who has experienced a traumatic event in the past can develop PTSD, including veterans and soldiers.
• You should be able to ‘just get over’ a traumatic event: Remember that PTSD is not a weakness, it is a recognised mental health condition that requires effective treatment and management. You cannot simply just move on from PTSD without any support.
• Medicine can cure PTSD: While PTSD is treatable and many people do recover from it, medication is not a cure. Instead, a combination of medication, therapy and coping strategies all work together to provide a holistic recovery and treatment plan.
• People living with PTSD can't function in daily life: While the severity of PTSD varies from person to person and no two PTSD experiences are the same, with the right support, medical help and management strategies, people can lead an extremely fulfilling life while living with this condition.

Support for people living with PTSD

If you think you might be living with PTSD, it's important that you reach out and access support when you need it. Support can come in many different forms, including:

• Healthcare professionals, such as GPs or mental health professionals
• National organisations such as Lifeline, SANE Australia, Beyond Blue or Open Arms (specifically for Australian Defence Force members and their families)
• The NDIS, which can provide funding for eligible people living with PTSD to access the support you need
• Employment support such as APM Employment Services, who help people with disability, injury, or health conditions find and maintain meaningful work
• Online support forums and communities, such as SANE Australia

No matter where you are in your journey, it’s important to reach out. Support is available, and there is always hope for recovery.

If you’re living with PTSD and need support to find and maintain meaningful employment, speak to APM Employment Services.

Contact us today to discuss how we can support you in achieving your employment goals.

Whether you’re looking for your next opportunity or need assistance managing work with PTSD, we’re here to help.

Reach out to APM now and take the first step toward getting the support you deserve.

Resources and further reading

• Post-traumatic stress disorder - Black Dog Institute
• PTSD signs and symptoms - Black Dog Institute
• PTSD help and support - Black Dog Institute
• Post-traumatic stress disorder - Health Direct
• Post-traumatic stress explained - This Way Up
• What is PTSD? An in-depth understanding - APM
• Get support - SANE Australia
• Free 24/7 crisis hotline - Lifeline

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Disability Employment Services in Australia.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

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