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14
HEALTH: STRESS
#22pushupchallenge
The significance of the
number 22 is that it reflects
the shocking number of
ex service men and women
who commit suicide EVERY
day as a result of PTSD. (Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder)
What is it?
It’s an anxiety disorder caused by a distressing event
that someone has been part of or witnessed.
As a sufferer you may often relive the ordeal though
flashbacks, nightmares as well as experience a whole
host of other symptoms and feelings. All of which
can leave you feeling quite isolated and vulnerable.
Symptoms are often severe and have a significant
impact on the sufferer and often their families too.
It’s not exactly clear why some develop it and others
don’t. Two people may witness or experience the
same ordeal but that doesn’t mean both will suffer.
Feelings of distress may not emerge immediately; it
may be some time after an event that you develop
emotional or physical reactions. It’s normal for
anyone who has had a bad experience to go over the
ordeal in their head but the feelings and emotions
that accompany this normally subside over time,
depending on the severity of the experience.
PTSD may be diagnosed if problems persist for
more than a month or are extreme.
When to get help.
It’s normal to experience confusion and upset after
a traumatic event and for most these feelings will
disperse naturally. If after 4 weeks you are still
suffering you should visit your GP. They can refer
you to a mental health specialist for assessment
and treatment. Many people will steer away from
the label “mental health” and call it “well-being” or
“emotional health” but it’s nothing to be ashamed
of. There is a stigma attached to mental health and
many of us will shy away from acceptance of the
condition. The truth is, we all have times when we
feel frightened, down or stressed but for those who
are plagued by an ordeal that just won’t go away by
itself you must seek help. Your mental health will
improve with help and if necessary medication.
Treatment.
Medication
– this will depend of the severity of your
condition, and will vary from person to person.
We are all unique and respond differently to one
another.
Time
– is a healer and you may just be kept an eye
on with the advice to get in touch should you feel
you are getting worse.
Psychotherapy
– It may help by talking to a
professional about your experience. Treatment may
vary. One session might be enough or you could
need help for years. There’s no limit.
These are the 3 main suggestions but there may be
other courses of treatment depending on individual
circumstances.
You must do what is best for you.
Don’t ever feel it’s
too late to get help. There is help out there and you
are not alone.
If you need help or know someone who does please
urge them to see their GP. For more information you
can visit
or
The latest
challenge to
sweep the
country is the
22 for 22.
History.
The condition
was officially
recognised in 1980
as a mental health
condition but there
is documentation
to show that it was
recognised in the
First World War
by soldiers who
developed shell
shock.
Anyone can suffer
from PTSD not just
ex service men and
women.
Donate.
To donate £5 to
Combat Stress
please text
PTSD22 to 70004
That’s 22 push ups
for 22 days.
Let’s raise even more awareness. We want to see your 22.
HAVE
YOU
DONE
YOUR 22
?
