About this profile
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.
Symptoms include:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Reliving the trauma
- Difficulty sleeping
It can affect a person’s ability to cope with daily life.
Watch and listen
Common challenges
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing.
- Feeling overwhelmed in stressful situations.
- Trouble interacting with coworkers or supervisors.
- Anxiety about being in certain environments or situations.
- Fatigue or trouble maintaining energy levels.
- Increased absenteeism due to symptoms like flashbacks or sleep issues.
How to help
- Encourage the participant to speak with a GP about a mental health care plan.
- Ensure the participant is following their mental health care plan.
- Support the participant to participate in therapy or counselling (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR).
- Help them develop coping strategies for stress and anxiety.
- Provide guidance on managing symptoms in the workplace.
- Help with relaxation techniques and grounding exercises.
- Recommend strategies to address sleep disturbances.
- Encourage self-care and work-life balance.
Notes
PTSD affects each person differently; what works for one person may not work for another.
Ongoing support from healthcare providers, family, and employers is important for managing symptoms.
PTSD Awareness Day is observed 27th June
Resources
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — symptoms and treatment | healthdirect
- Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) | healthdirect
- Stress and trauma - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
- Post-traumatic stress disorder - (WHO)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic