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Grief can be overwhelming - you don’t have to deal with it alone. Cruse Bereavement Support is here. Call our helpline or chat online.

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PTSD Coach Online is a suite of 17 tools designed to help people cope with sleep problems, sadness, anger, anxiety and other symptoms that can develop after trauma.

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Living Life to the Full | helping you help yourself

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Helping men escape
domestic abuse
Directory of Services
Helpline 01823 334 244
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Directory of Services
Helpline 01823 334 244

Due to increasing levels of domestic abuse, we are receiving more calls than ever and our helpline solely relies on the public for funding (we receive no taxpayer funding or grants). If you are able to help us to help more men escape domestic abuse, please donate to us here. Thank you.

Male Victims of Domestic Abuse - Please call our helpline on
01823 334244 to speak to us confidentially

Our confidential helpline is available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.

We provide an information, support and signposting service to men suffering from domestic abuse from their current or former wife, partner (including same-sex partner) or husband. This can range from physical violence or object throwing to abuse such as constant bullying or insults.

We have also produced a directory of local services (called the Oak Book) which support male victims, so please visit this section to find the service in your community.

The helpline is a listening service which provides emotional support, practical information and signposting.

We receive calls from male victims of domestic abuse across all age ranges and professions:

From dustmen and doctors, to, bankers and builders

From men in their 20s to men in their 80s

From men in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The helpline also welcomes calls from friends, family members, neighbours, colleagues and employers of male victims seeking information.

We also receive calls from support organisations, charities and statutory agencies such as local authorities and police forces.

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© 2023 The ManKind Initiative - Registered Charity No. 1089547 and Company Registration No. 3869893, often referred to as "ManKind"

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Charity supporting male victims of domestic abuse through a helpline, directory of local services and general information on the website.

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Video title: Refuge's 24-hour, Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Video duration: 1 minute 20 seconds
Description: Information video on what it is like to call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and who can call it.

Refuge's 24-hour, Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline 'Transcript'

[Background music plays]

Soft down beat music

[Animated sequence]

Animation in hand-drawn style showing a woman in a house standing behind a man on a sofa. The woman looks worried and the man appears angry, a speech bubble comes out of the man's mouth.

[Text displays]

!*!!*!!

[Female voice over]

I was walking on eggshells around my partner didn't know where to turn.

[Animated sequence]

The door in the background slams shut. We zoom in on it and it turns into a smart mobile phone in the women's hand. The phone displays the details of the National Domestic Abuse Helpline Number and a green phone icon. Her finger hovers over the phone icon.

[Text displays]

Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

[Female voice over]

I'd read about refuges National Domestic Abuse Helpline, but I was hesitant to call.

[Animated sequence]

The scene transitions to the woman sitting on a couch to the left of the screen, and another woman, the Helpline adviser, sitting on the right on a computer. They are facing each other. The screen is split into two different backgrounds with a window in the background that crosses over both.

[Female voice over]

The woman I spoke to really understood my situation though, it was such a relief just to talk.

[Animated sequence]

The woman begins to smile. The blinds in the window open up to show a sun and both rooms become brighter.

[Animated sequence]

Scene transitions to a top down view of the Helpline worker writing on lined paper.

[Female voice over]

I was reassured that it was a confidential and non-judgmental service run by a charity.

[Text displays]

Confidential

Non-judgemental

[Female voice over]

She said I could ring at any time, even if I just wanted to talk about what I was going through

[Text displays]

Any time

Just talk

[Female voice over]

It's free and open 24 hours a day.

[Text displays]

Free

24 hours

[Animated sequence]

Scene zooms out to show a group of five women of mixed races and ages including the Helpline adviser from the earlier scene.

[Female voice over]

It was comforting to know that the helpline is staffed by an all female team of experts,

[Animated sequence]

Scene zooms out to show smart mobile phone showing an animation of the live chat page on nationaldahelpline.org.uk. The women's finger begins to type.

[Female voice over]

and that I can also contact them using live chat.

[Sound effect]

Keys tapping

[Animated sequence]

The phone fades away and four framed picture swing into view. They show four women of various ages and races, one of who is pictured with a child, including the women from the first scene.

[Female voice over]

I was told that the helpline is open to any woman who is afraid of her partner,

[Sound effect]

Glass cracking

[Animated sequence]

The glass in one of the picture frames cracks

[Text displays]

[Female voice over]

whether you're being physically abused or not

[Animated sequence]

The picture of the woman from the first scene is zoomed in on. She picks up her mobile phone as the frame turns into a circle. Another circular frame, showing the Helpline adviser, comes into view and begins to merge with the woman's frame. The woman and the Helpline worker turn to face each other and hold hands.

[Female voice over]

The Helpline advisor helped me realise I'm not alone and reassured me it wasn't my fault.

[Text displays]

I'm not alone

[Animated sequence]

Scene scrolls across to show the woman looking in a mirror and hugging herself. She begins to smile.

[Female voice over]

That was really empowering and I began to believe in myself again.

She made me feel like I had choices.

[Background music plays]

Music becomes more upbeat

[Animated sequence]

Scene zooms in on mirror until the frame is not visible. The background transitions to show a countryside scene with rolling hills, trees and butterflies. The woman lifts a hot drink to take a sip and closes her eyes.

[Female voice over]

From that moment on, I could see a life free from violence and fear.

That phone call was the beginning of the rest of my life.

[Animated sequence]

The woman opens her eyes and looks up.

[Animated sequence]

Scene fades to show black text on a white background below the Refuge pink and black logo.

[Text displays]

Refuge's Freephone, 24 hour, National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Call us on 0808 2000 247
Or visit wwww.nationaldahelpline.org.uk for information and support, including our live chat and secure online contact form.

We know our lines are often busy but we really want to hear from you.

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Home | Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline

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Video title: Refuge's 24-hour, Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline Video duration: 1 minute 20 seconds Description: Information video on what it is like to call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and who can call it.

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Whatever's on your mind, we're here - Togetherall

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Need urgent help? Contact one of these crisis support services

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Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help.
You may need help if:

you often feel the need to have a drink

you get into trouble because of your drinking

other people warn you about how much you're drinking

you think your drinking is causing you problems

A good place to start is with a GP. Try to be accurate and honest about how much you drink and any problems it may be causing you.

If you have become dependent on alcohol, you will have found it difficult to fully control your drinking in some way.

So you'll probably need some help either to cut down and control your drinking or stop completely, and also some plans to maintain the improvement after that.

The GP may suggest different types of assessment and support options available to you, such as from local community alcohol services.

You can also ask about any free local support groups and other alcohol counselling that may suit you.
Find alcohol addiction support services in your area
If you have become physically dependent and need to stop drinking completely, stopping overnight could be harmful.

You should get advice about this and about any medicine you may need to do this safely.

The sorts of mild or moderate withdrawal symptoms that suggest you may need medicine include:

anxiety after waking

sweating and mild tremors

nausea or retching in the morning

vomiting

Call 999 if you have severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including:

hallucinations

severe tremors

seizures or fits

Staying healthy and in control

Cutting down or stopping drinking is usually just the beginning, and most people will need some degree of help or a long-term plan to stay in control or completely alcohol free.

Getting the right support can be crucial to maintaining control in the future. Only relying on family, friends or carers for this often is not enough.

Ask a GP or alcohol service about what longer-term support is available in your area.

Self-help or mutual aid groups (groups such as AA or SMART Recovery groups) are accessible in most areas.

Useful contacts for alcohol problems

Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. Its "12 step" programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.

Al-Anon Family Groups offer support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they're still drinking or not. Alateen is part of Al-Anon and can be attended by 12 to 17-year-olds who are affected by another person's drinking, usually a parent.

We Are With You is a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families and communities manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse.

Adfam is a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol. Adfam operates an online message board and local support groups.

The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) provides a free, confidential telephone and email helpline for children of alcohol-dependent parents and others concerned about their welfare. Call 0800 358 3456 for the Nacoa helpline.

SMART Recovery groups help people decide whether they have a problem, build up their motivation to change, and offer a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery.

Caring for an alcoholic? Find out where you can get support on the Carers Trust website.

Alcohol detoxification

Most people receive support to stop drinking and recovery support in the community.

If you need medicine to help you stop drinking, it can often be taken at home or when attending a local service daily.

But some people will need a short stay in a medically supported unit so they can receive safe treatment of their withdrawal symptoms or other problems.

This may be in an NHS inpatient unit or a medically supported residential service, depending on your situation and the assessed medical need.

Intensive rehabilitation

Some people are assessed as needing intensive rehabilitation and recovery support for a period after they stop drinking completely, either through attending a programme of intensive support in their local community or by attending a residential rehabilitation service.

This type of intensive treatment is usually reserved for people with medium or high levels of alcohol dependence, and those who have received other forms of help previously that have not been successful.

Local authorities are responsible for alcohol treatment services. Intensive residential rehabilitation may require an additional assessment process to determine if there is funding for this.

It's also possible to pay for residential rehabilitation privately. Medical insurance companies may fund this for a certain period.

Find out more about treatments for alcohol misuse.

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Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first step to getting better, but it's often the hardest one.

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We're here to support you and your unique experience of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

Our vision is that everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected, and safe.

We share evidence-based information you can trust

We create opportunities to connect with other parents

We listen to your experiences, amplify all parents' voices and campaign for change

We are strong advocates for improving experiences of pregnancy, birth, infant feeding, and early parenthood, equitably, for all parents.

Access networks of support and build friendships through our courses and community events.

Use our resources to make informed decisions that feel right for you.

Information for parents

If you're pregnant or a new parent, we know that you will have a number of questions and concerns about coronavirus. In our sections below, we've created a range of articles about how coronavirus might affect your pregnancy, birth and early days as a parent.

Pregnancy

When it comes to your pregnancy, we've got it covered. You'll find everything you need to help you feel confident and reassured over the next nine months right here.
Find out more

Labour & birth

Thinking about how, what happens and where to give birth? We're here to help you feel more confident. We've got information and tips on everything you need to know.
Find out more

Baby & toddler

Your baby's arrived and you've probably got 101 things on your mind. Don't worry, you're not on your own. We're here with information and support as your baby develops.
Find out more

Life as a parent

You've just had a baby and everyone is focused on your little one. But how about you? We're with you on your journey with support and tips from other mums and dads.
Find out more

Courses and workshops

Interactive, engaging and social, our antenatal course is a fun and exciting way to grow your knowledge of birth and early parenthood, and make life-long friends.
View all courses & workshops

Local activities and meet-ups

Our local activities and meet-ups can help you build up a supportive social network around you.

Support NCT Charity by becoming a member

Join NCT and there's great member benefits for you - exclusive live talks, money-saving offers & competitions, digital magazine & quick-read newsletters, plus early entry to every NCT Nearly New Sale - whilst you help fund free support for others.

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The UK's leading charity for parents | NCT

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We are the charity that supports people as they become parents. We're here for you through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

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Most people feel anxious or scared sometimes, but if it's affecting your life there are things you can try that may help.
Support is also available if you're finding it hard to cope with anxiety, fear or panic.

Symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety can cause many different symptoms. It might affect how you feel physically, mentally and how you behave.

It's not always easy to recognise when anxiety is the reason you're feeling or acting differently.

Physical symptoms

faster, irregular or more noticeable heartbeat

feeling lightheaded and dizzy

headaches

chest pains

loss of appetite

sweating

breathlessness

feeling hot

shaking

Mental symptoms

feeling tense or nervous

being unable to relax

worrying about the past or future

feeling tearful

not being able to sleep

difficulty concentrating

fear of the worst happening

intrusive traumatic memories

obsessive thoughts

Changes in behaviour

not being able to enjoy your leisure time

difficulty looking after yourself

struggling to form or maintain relationships

worried about trying new things

avoiding places and situations that create anxiety

compulsive behaviour, such as constantly checking things

Symptoms of a panic attack

If you experience sudden, intense anxiety and fear, it might be the symptoms of a panic attack. Other symptoms may include:

a racing heartbeat

feeling faint, dizzy or lightheaded

feeling that you're losing control

sweating, trembling or shaking

shortness of breath or breathing very quickly

a tingling in your fingers or lips

feeling sick (nausea)

A panic attack usually lasts 5 to 30 minutes. They can be frightening, but they're not dangerous and should not harm you.

Things you can try to help with anxiety, fear and panic

Do

try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor. You could also contact Samaritans, call: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org if you need someone to talk to

Don't

do not try to do everything at once - set small targets that you can easily achieve

do not focus on the things you cannot change - focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better

do not avoid situations that make you anxious - try slowly building up time spent in worrying situations to gradually reduce anxiety

try not to tell yourself that you're alone; most people experience anxiety or fear at some point in their life

try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve anxiety as these can all contribute to poor mental health

Audio: How to cope with anxiety - a relaxation technique

In this audio guide, a doctor explains how you can take control of anxiety.

Further information and support

Where to get NHS help for anxiety, fear and panic

Referring yourself for therapy

If you need more support, you can get free talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on the NHS.

You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP.

If you're under 18, or want to get help for someone under 18, find out how to get mental health support for children and young people.

you're struggling to cope with anxiety, fear or panic

things you're trying yourself are not helping

you would prefer to get a referral from a GP

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:

you need help urgently, but it's not an emergency

111 can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone. Go to NHS 111 online or call 111.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

you or someone you know needs immediate help

you have seriously harmed yourself - for example, by taking a drug overdose

A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency.
Find your nearest A&E

Causes of anxiety, fear and panic

There are many different causes of anxiety, fear or panic and it's different for everyone.

When you're feeling anxious or scared, your body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.

This can be helpful in some situations, but it might also cause physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate and increased sweating. In some people, it might cause a panic attack.

Regular anxiety, fear or panic can also be the main symptom of several health conditions. Do not self-diagnose - speak to a GP if you're worried about how you're feeling.

Identifying the cause

If you know what's causing anxiety, fear or panic, it might be easier to find ways to manage it.

Some examples of possible causes include:

work - feeling pressure at work, unemployment or retirement

family - relationship difficulties, divorce or caring for someone

financial problems - unexpected bills or borrowing money

health - illness, injury or losing someone (bereavement)

difficult past experiences - bullying, abuse or neglect

Even significant life events such as buying a house, having a baby or planning a wedding could lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.

You might find it hard to explain to people why you feel this way, but talking to someone could help you find a solution.

Find out more about the 5 steps to mental wellbeing.

Conditions related to anxiety, fear and panic

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Read practical tips and advice on what to do if you're struggling with anxiety, fear or panic

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Find information and support for your mental health.

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The impact of suicide can be complex and acute.

Around 6,000 people die by suicide each year across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Each death can cause intense grief and emotional distress for friends, family and the wider community.

The evidence suggests that people who are bereaved by suicide can themselves be at higher risk.

But, often, local areas don't offer bereavement support or the provision patchy and inadequate.

We want policy-makers to make sure every person bereaved by suicide can get the help they need when they need it.

Our recommendations:

Policy-makers should:

Ensure national suicide prevention strategies prioritise support for people bereaved by suicide, including plans for cross-government working and improved local commissioning.

Set out quality standards for suicide bereavement services to improve consistency and ensure people are getting the most effective support available.

Improve data collection on suicides, including putting in place real-time surveillance, so that professionals can quickly identify, and support people bereaved by suicide.

Roll out suicide bereavement training for frontline professionals, including coroners' offices, the police, health and social care services, funeral directors and faith organisations, to improve the number of people signposted to support and help.

Read more in our policy briefing below.

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Every suicide can cause intense grief and emotional distress for friends, family and the wider community. Read more.

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Welcome to Defence Connect

Defence Connect is the MOD's private social network. The goal of this network is to provide a collaborative environment for you to connect with people across the whole organisation, share meaningful information which in turn improves internal communication.

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Defence Connect is the MOD's private social network. The goal of this network is to provide a collaborative environment for you to connect with people across the whole organisation, share meaningful information which in turn improves internal communication.

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Sorry, registration is closed.Please contact your team’s admin if you have any questions.

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Introduction

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.

Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam or having a medical test or job interview. During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal.

However, some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily life.

Anxiety is the main symptom of several conditions, including panic disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder (social phobia).

However, the information in this section is about a specific condition called generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

GAD is a long-term condition that causes you to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event.

People with GAD feel anxious most days and often struggle to remember the last time they felt relaxed. GAD can cause both psychological (mental) and physical symptoms. These vary from person to person, but can include feeling restless or worried and having trouble concentrating or sleeping.

Read about the symptoms of GAD

When to see your GP

Although feelings of anxiety at certain times are completely normal, you should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or is causing you distress.

Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and your worries, fears and emotions to try to find out if you could have GAD.

Read more about diagnosing GAD

What causes GAD?

The exact cause of GAD is not fully understood, although it's likely that a combination of several factors plays a role. Research has suggested these may include:

overactivity in areas of the brain involved in emotions and behaviour

an imbalance of the brain chemicals serotonin and noradrenaline, which are involved in the control and regulation of mood

the genes you inherit from your parents - you're estimated to be five times more likely to develop GAD if you have a close relative with the condition

having a history of stressful or traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, child abuse or bullying

having a painful long-term health condition, such as arthritis

having a history of drug or alcohol misuse

However, many people develop GAD for no apparent reason.

Who is affected?

GAD is a common condition estimated to affect about 1 in every 25 people in the UK.

Slightly more women are affected than men, and the condition is more common in people between the ages of 35 and 55.

How GAD is treated

GAD can have a significant effect on your daily life, but several different treatments are available that can help ease your symptoms. These include:

psychological therapy- such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

medication - such as a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

There are also many things you can do yourself to help reduce your anxiety, such as going on a self-help course, exercising regularly, stopping smoking and cutting down on the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink.

With treatment, many people are able to control their levels of anxiety. However, some treatments may need to be continued for a long time and there may be periods where your symptoms worsen.

Read more about treating GAD and self-help tips for GAD

Symptoms

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) can affect you both physically and mentally.

How severe the symptoms are varies from person to person. Some people have only one or two symptoms, while others have many more.

You should see your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or is causing you distress.

Psychological symptoms of GAD

GAD can cause a change in your behaviour and the way you think and feel about things, resulting in symptoms such as:

restlessness

a sense of dread

feeling constantly "on edge"

difficulty concentrating

irritability

Your symptoms may cause you to withdraw from social contact (seeing your family and friends) to avoid feelings of worry and dread.

You may also find going to work difficult and stressful and may take time off sick. These actions can make you worry even more about yourself and increase your lack of self-esteem.

Physical symptoms of GAD

GAD can also have a number of physical symptoms, including:

Anxiety triggers

If you are anxious as a result of a specific phobia or because of panic disorder, you will usually know what the cause is. For example, if you have claustrophobia (a fear of enclosed spaces), you know that being confined in a small space will trigger your anxiety.

However, if you have GAD, it may not always be clear what you are feeling anxious about. Not knowing what triggers your anxiety can intensify it and you may start to worry that there will be no solution.

Diagnosis

See your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or is causing you distress.

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) can be difficult to diagnose. In some cases, it can also be difficult to distinguish from other mental health conditions, such as depression.

Talking to your GP about anxiety

Your GP may ask you questions about your worries, fears and emotions. They may also ask about your personal life. Tell your GP about all your symptoms - physical and psychological - and explain how long you have had them for.

You may find it difficult to talk about your feelings, emotions and personal life. However, it is important that your GP understands your symptoms and circumstances so that the correct diagnosis can be made.

You are most likely to be diagnosed with GAD if you have had the symptoms for six months or more. Finding it difficult to manage your feelings of anxiety is also an indication that you may have the condition.

To help with the diagnosis, your GP may carry out a physical examination or blood tests to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as anaemia (a deficiency in iron or vitamin B12 and folate) or an overactive thyroid gland ( hyperthyroidism).

Do you have GAD?

You may have generalised anxiety disorder if:

your worrying significantly affects your daily life, including your job and social life

your worries are extremely stressful and upsetting

you worry about all sorts of things and have a tendency to think the worst

your worrying is uncontrollable

you have felt worried nearly every day for at least six months

Treatment

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is a long-term condition, but a number of different treatments can help.

Before you begin any form of treatment, your GP should discuss all your treatment options with you. They should outline the pros and cons of each and make sure you are aware of any possible risks or side effects.

With your GP, you can make a decision on the treatment most suited to you, taking into account your personal preferences and circumstances.

If you have other problems alongside GAD, such as depression and drug or alcohol misuse, these may need to be treated before having treatment specifically for GAD.

Initial treatment

At first, your GP may suggest trying an individual self-help course for a month or two to see if it can help you learn to cope with your anxiety.

This will usually involve working from a book or computer programme on your own (you will be given advice about how to use the book or programme before you start), with only occasional contact with your doctor.

Alternatively, you may prefer to go on a group course where you and a few other people with similar problems meet with a therapist every week to learn ways to tackle your anxiety.
Read more about these treatments
If these initial treatments do not help, you will usually be offered either a more intensive psychological treatment or medication. These are described below.

Psychological treatment

If you have been diagnosed with GAD, you will usually be advised to try psychological treatment before you are prescribed medication.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for GAD. Studies of different treatments for GAD have found that the benefits of CBT may last longer than those of medication, but no single treatment is best for everyone.

CBT helps you to understand how your problems, thoughts, feelings and behaviour affect each other. It can also help you to question your negative and anxious thoughts, and do things you would usually avoid because they make you anxious.

CBT will usually involve meeting with a specially trained and accredited therapist for a one-hour session every week for three to four months.

Your therapist should carry out CBT in a standardised way according to a treatment manual, and they should receive regular supervision to support them in providing the most effective treatments.

Applied relaxation

Applied relaxation is an alternative type of psychological treatment that can be as effective as CBT in treating GAD.

Applied relaxation focuses on relaxing your muscles in a particular way during situations that usually cause anxiety. The technique needs to be taught by a trained therapist, but generally involves:

learning how to relax your muscles

learning how to relax your muscles quickly and in response to a trigger, such as the word "relax"

practising relaxing your muscles in situations that make you anxious

As with CBT, applied relaxation therapy will usually mean meeting with a therapist for a one-hour session every week for three to four months.

Medication

If the psychological treatments above have not helped you or you would prefer not to try them, you will usually be offered medication.

Your GP can prescribe a variety of different types of medication to treat GAD. Some medication is designed to be taken on a short-term basis, while other medicines are prescribed for longer periods.

Depending on your symptoms, you may require medicine to treat your physical symptoms as well as your psychological ones.

If you are considering taking medication for GAD, your GP should discuss the different options with you in detail, including the different types of medication, length of treatment, side effects and possible interactions with other medicines, before you start a course of treatment.

You should also have regular appointments with your doctor to assess your progress when you are taking medication for GAD. These will usually take place every two to four weeks for the first three months, then every three months after that.

Tell your GP if you think you may be experiencing side effects from your medication. They may be able to adjust your dose or prescribe an alternative medication.

The main medications you may be offered to treat GAD are described below.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

In most cases, the first medication you will be offered will be a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This type of medication works by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain.

Examples of SSRIs you may be prescribed include sertraline, escitalopram and paroxetine.

SSRIs can be taken on a long-term basis but, as with all antidepressants, they can take several weeks to start working. You will usually be started on a low dose, which will gradually be increased as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Common side effects of SSRIs include:

feeling sick

low sex drive

blurred vision

diarrhoea or constipation

dizziness

dry mouth

loss of appetite

sweating

feeling agitated

problems sleeping (insomnia)

Some of the side effects - such as feeling sick, an upset stomach, problems sleeping and feeling agitated or more anxious - are more common in the first one or two weeks of treatment, but these will usually settle as your body adjusts to the medication.

If you or your GP feels that your medication is not helping after about two months of treatment, or if it is causing unpleasant side effects, your GP may prescribe an alternative SSRI to see if that has any effect.

When you and your GP decide that it is appropriate for you to stop taking your medication, you will normally have your dose slowly reduced over the course of a few weeks to reduce the risk of withdrawal effects. Never stop taking your medication unless your GP specifically advises you to.

Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

If SSRIs do not help ease your anxiety, you may be prescribed a different type of antidepressant known as a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This type of medicine increases the amount of the chemicals serotonin and noradrenaline in your brain.

Examples of SNRIs you may be prescribed include venlafaxine and duloxetine.

Common side effects of SNRIs include:

SNRIs can also increase your blood pressure, so your blood pressure will be monitored regularly during treatment.

As with SSRIs, some of the side effects - such as feeling sick, an upset stomach, problems sleeping and feeling agitated or more anxious - are more common in the first one or two weeks of treatment, but these will usually settle as your body adjusts to the medication.

Pregabalin

If SSRIs and SNRIs are not suitable for you, you may be offered pregabalin. This is a medication known as an anticonvulsant, which is used to treat conditions such as epilepsy (a condition that causes repeated seizures). However, it has also been found to be beneficial in treating anxiety.

Side effects of pregabalin can include:

drowsiness

dizziness

increased appetite and weight gain

blurred vision

headaches

dry mouth

vertigo (the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning)

Pregabalin is less likely to cause nausea or a low sex drive than SSRIs or SNRIs.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a type of sedative that may sometimes be used as a short-term treatment during a particularly severe period of anxiety because they help ease the symptoms within 30 to 90 minutes of taking the medication.

Examples of benzodiazepines you may be prescribed include chlordiazepoxide, diazepam and lorazepam.

Although benzodiazepines are very effective in treating the symptoms of anxiety, they cannot be used for long periods of time because they can become addictive if used for longer than four weeks. Benzodiazepines also start to lose their effectiveness after this time.

For these reasons, you will not usually be prescribed benzodiazepines for any longer than two to four weeks at a time.

Side effects of benzodiazepines can include:

drowsiness

difficulty concentrating

headaches

vertigo

tremor (an uncontrollable shake or tremble in part of the body)

low sex drive

As drowsiness is a particularly common side effect of benzodiazepines, your ability to drive or operate machinery may be affected by taking this medication. You should therefore avoid these activities during treatment.

Referral to a specialist

If you have tried the treatments mentioned above and have significant symptoms of GAD, you may want to discuss with your GP whether you should be referred to a mental health specialist.

A referral will work differently in different areas of the UK, but you will usually be referred to your community mental health team. These teams include a range of specialists, including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers.

An appropriate mental health specialist from your local team will carry out an overall reassessment of your condition. They will ask you about your previous treatment and how effective you found it.

They may also ask about things in your life that may be affecting your condition, or how much support you get from family and friends.

Your specialist will then be able to devise a treatment plan for you, which will aim to effectively treat your symptoms.

As part of this plan, you may be offered a treatment you have not tried before, which might be one of the psychological treatments or medications mentioned above.

Alternatively, you may be offered a combination of a psychological treatment with a medication, or a combination of two different medications.

Living with anxiety and self-help

If you have generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), there are many ways you can help ease the symptoms of anxiety yourself.

Anxiety self-help guide

Our mental health self-help guides are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and have proven highly successful in helping people with anxiety and other mental health issues.

Anxiety self-help guide

Work through a self-help guide for anxiety that uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Anxiety self-help guide

Try a book or online course

When you are diagnosed with GAD, your GP may recommend trying self-help treatments before having more intensive psychological therapy or medication.

This will usually involve working from a book or computer programme for around six weeks or longer. In some cases, you may be closely supported by a trained therapist who you will speak to every week or two, although some treatments only involve minimal or occasional contact with a therapist who will monitor your progress.

There are a number of different books and courses available that can help you learn to cope with your anxiety, but the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) only recommends trying treatments based on the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

CBT is a type of psychological treatment that can help you understand your condition better and how your problems, thoughts, feelings and behaviour affect each other. The aim of CBT-based treatments is to help you learn ways to manage your anxiety by modifying negative or unhelpful behaviour and thoughts.

Find out more about Living Life - a service which offers appointment-based telephone support based upon cognitive behavioural therapy.

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, may help you combat stress and release tension. It also encourages your brain to release the chemical serotonin, which can improve your mood.

Examples of good aerobic exercises to try include:

You should aim to do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. Moderate-intensity exercise should raise your heart rate and make you breathe faster.

Learn to relax

As well as getting regular exercise, learning how to relax is important.

You may find relaxation and breathing exercises helpful, or you may prefer activities such as yoga or pilates to help you unwind.

Avoid caffeine

Drinking too much caffeine can make you more anxious than normal. This is because caffeine can disrupt your sleep and also speed up your heartbeat. If you are tired, you are less likely to be able to control your anxious feelings.

Avoiding drinks containing caffeine - such as coffee, tea, fizzy drinks and energy drinks - may help reduce your anxiety levels.

Avoid smoking and drinking

Smoking and alcohol have been shown to make feelings of anxiety worse. Only drinking alcohol in moderation or stopping smoking if you smoke may help reduce your anxiety.

The Department of Health recommends that men should not drink more than three to four units of alcohol a day and women no more than two to three units.

Contact support groups

Support groups can give you useful advice about how to effectively manage your anxiety. They are also a good way to meet other people with similar experiences.

Examples of support groups you may find useful include:

Support groups can often arrange face-to-face meetings, where you can talk about your difficulties and problems with other people. Many support groups also provide support and guidance over the phone or in writing.

Ask your GP about local support groups for anxiety in your area or search our support service directory for mental health information and support services near you.

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Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Learn about the symtpoms and treatments of generalised anxiety disorder.

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https://www.army.mod.uk/people/health-wellbeing-welfare-support/health-performance-and-wellbeing-in-the-army/mental-resilience/

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Health Assured is the UK and Ireland's largest independent and award-winning employee assistance programme (EAP) provider. Every day, we offer specialist support to over 13 million lives.

We aim high, and we achieve it. Our goal is 100% engagement-we want everyone in your care to use our service. We're your healthy advantage.

Public, private and non-profit businesses have relied on our clinical expertise year after year to keep their people on-track. Employers, employees and business partners get:

A 24/7, 365 helpline, with calls answered by experienced in-house counsellors, legal and financial specialists

Our My Healthy Advantage smartphone app and online personalised wellbeing content, including videos, webinars, mini health checks and health coaching

Reporting analytics, management information and organisational benchmarking

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Health Assured is the UK and Ireland's largest independent and award-winning employee assistance programme (EAP) provider. Every day, we offer specialist support to over 13 million lives. We aim high, and we achieve it. Our goal is 100% engagement-we want everyone in your care to use our service. We're your healthy advantage.

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SELF-BELIEF – confidence in your own abilities and judgement
POSITIVE AFFECT – the ability to interact with life in a positive way
EMOTIONAL CONTROL – the ability to understand and express your emotions
MENTAL CONTROL – the ability to control thinking, attention, concentration, focus, self-awareness, reflexivity, problem-solving
SENSE OF PURPOSE – the motivation that drives you forward
COPING – adaptability, natural coping strategies you have learnt through coping in previous stressful situation
SOCIAL SUPPORT – the social network you have and the ways you use it

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Introduction

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt.

They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult.

These symptoms are often severe and persistent enough to have a significant impact on the person's day-to-day life.

Read more about the symptoms of PTSD.

Causes of PTSD

The type of events that can cause PTSD include:

serious road accidents

violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery

prolonged sexual abuse, violence or severe neglect

witnessing violent deaths

military combat

being held hostage

terrorist attacks

natural disasters, such as severe floods, earthquakes or tsunamis

PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event or it can occur weeks, months or even years later.

PTSD is estimated to affect about 1 in every 3 people who have a traumatic experience, but it's not clear exactly why some people develop the condition and others don't.

Read more about the causes of PTSD.

Complex PTSD

People who repeatedly experience traumatic situations such as severe neglect, abuse or violence may be diagnosed with complex PTSD.

Complex PTSD can cause similar symptoms to PTSD and may not develop until years after the event. It's often more severe if the trauma was experienced early in life as this can affect a child's development.

Read more about complex PTSD.

When to seek medical advice

It's normal to experience upsetting and confusing thoughts after a traumatic event, but most people improve naturally over a few weeks.

You should visit your GP if you or your child are still having problems about four weeks after the traumatic experience, or if the symptoms are particularly troublesome.

If necessary, your GP can refer you to mental health specialists for further assessment and treatment.

How PTSD is treated

PTSD can be successfully treated, even when it develops many years after a traumatic event.

Any treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how soon they occur after the traumatic event. Any of the following treatment options may be recommended:

Watchful waiting - monitoring your symptoms to see whether they improve or get worse without treatment.

Psychotherapy - such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).

Antidepressants - such as paroxetine or mirtazapine.

Read more about treating PTSD.

Symptoms

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life.

In most cases, the symptoms develop during the first month after a traumatic event. However, in a minority of cases, there may be a delay of months or even years before symptoms start to appear.

Some people with PTSD experience long periods when their symptoms are less noticeable, followed by periods where they get worse. Other people have constant, severe symptoms.

The specific symptoms of PTSD can vary widely between individuals, but generally fall into the categories described below.

Re-experiencing

Re-experiencing is the most typical symptom of PTSD. This is when a person involuntarily and vividly re-lives the traumatic event in the form of:

flashbacks

nightmares

repetitive and distressing images or sensations

physical sensations - such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling

Some people have constant negative thoughts about their experience, repeatedly asking themselves questions that prevent them from coming to terms with the event.

For example, they may wonder why the event happened to them and if they could have done anything to stop it, which can lead to feelings of guilt or shame.

Avoidance and emotional numbing

Trying to avoid being reminded of the traumatic event is another key symptom of PTSD. This usually means avoiding certain people or places that remind you of the trauma, or avoiding talking to anyone about your experience.

Many people with PTSD try to push memories of the event out of their mind, often distracting themselves with work or hobbies.

Some people attempt to deal with their feelings by trying not to feel anything at all. This is known as emotional numbing. This can lead to the person becoming isolated and withdrawn, and they may also give up pursuing activities they used to enjoy.

Hyperarousal (feeling 'on edge')

Someone with PTSD may be very anxious and find it difficult to relax. They may be constantly aware of threats and easily startled. This state of mind is known as hyperarousal.

Hyperarousal often leads to:

irritability

angry outbursts

sleeping problems (insomnia)

difficulty concentrating

Other problems

Many people with PTSD also have a number of other problems, including:

PTSD sometimes leads to work-related problems and the breakdown of relationships.

PTSD in children

PTSD can affect children as well as adults. Children with PTSD can have similar symptoms to adults, such as having trouble sleeping and upsetting nightmares.

Like adults, children with PTSD may also lose interest in activities they used to enjoy and may have physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches.

However, there are some symptoms that are more specific to children with PTSD, such as:

bedwetting

being unusually anxious about being separated from a parent or other adult

re-enacting the traumatic event(s) through their play

When to seek medical advice

It's normal to experience upsetting and confusing thoughts after a traumatic event, but in most people these improve naturally over a few weeks.

You should visit your GP if you or your child are still having problems about four weeks after the traumatic experience, or if the symptoms are particularly troublesome.

Your GP will want to discuss your symptoms with you in as much detail as possible. They'll ask whether you've experienced a traumatic event in the recent or distant past and whether you've re-experienced the event through flashbacks or nightmares.

Your GP can refer you to mental health specialists if they feel you'd benefit from treatment. See treating PTSD for more information.

Causes

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a very stressful, frightening or distressing event, or after a prolonged traumatic experience.

Types of events that can lead to PTSD include:

serious road accidents

violent personal assaults, such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery

prolonged sexual abuse, violence or severe neglect

witnessing violent deaths

military combat

being held hostage

terrorist attacks

natural disasters, such as severe floods, earthquakes or tsunamis

a diagnosis of a life-threatening condition

an unexpected severe injury or death of a close family member or friend

PTSD isn't usually related to situations that are simply upsetting, such as divorce, job loss or failing exams.

PTSD develops in about 1 in 3 people who experience severe trauma. It isn't fully understood why some people develop the condition while others don't. However, certain factors appear to make some people more likely to develop PTSD.

If you've had depression or anxiety in the past, or you don't receive much support from family or friends, you're more susceptible to developing PTSD after a traumatic event.

There may also be a genetic factor involved in PTSD. For example, having a parent with a mental health problem is thought to increase your chances of developing the condition.

Possible causes

Although it's not clear exactly why people develop PTSD, a number of possible reasons have been suggested. These are described below.

Survival mechanism

One suggestion is that the symptoms of PTSD are the result of an instinctive mechanism intended to help you survive further traumatic experiences.

For example, the flashbacks many people with PTSD experience may force you to think about the event in detail so you're better prepared if it happens again. The feeling of being "on edge" (hyperarousal) may develop to help you react quickly in another crisis.

However, while these responses may be intended to help you survive, they're actually very unhelpful in reality because you can't process and move on from the traumatic experience.

Adrenaline levels

Studies have shown that people with PTSD have abnormal levels of stress hormones.

Normally, when in danger, the body produces stress hormones such as adrenaline to trigger a reaction in the body. This reaction, often known as the "fight or flight" reaction, helps to deaden the senses and dull pain.

People with PTSD have been found to continue to produce high amounts of fight or flight hormones even when there's no danger. It's thought this may be responsible for the numbed emotions and hyperarousal experienced by some people with PTSD.

Changes in the brain

In people with PTSD, parts of the brain involved in emotional processing appear different in brain scans.

One part of the brain responsible for memory and emotions is known as the hippocampus. In people with PTSD, the hippocampus appears smaller in size. It's thought that changes in this part of the brain may be related to fear and anxiety, memory problems and flashbacks.

The malfunctioning hippocampus may prevent flashbacks and nightmares from being properly processed, so the anxiety they generate doesn't reduce over time.

Treatment of PTSD results in proper processing of the memories so, over time, the flashbacks and nightmares gradually disappear.

Treatment

The main treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are psychotherapy and medication.

Traumatic events can be very difficult to come to terms with, but confronting your feelings and seeking professional help is often the only way of effectively treating PTSD.

It's possible for PTSD to be successfully treated many years after the traumatic event occurred, which means it's never too late to seek help.

Assessment

Before having treatment for PTSD, a detailed assessment of your symptoms will be carried out to ensure treatment is tailored to your individual needs.

Your GP will often carry out an initial assessment, but you'll be referred to a mental health specialist for further assessment and treatment if you've had symptoms of PTSD for more than four weeks or your symptoms are severe.

There are a number of mental health specialists you may see if you have PTSD, such as:

a psychologist - an expert in how the mind works

a community psychiatric nurse - a nurse who specialises in mental healthcare

a psychiatrist - a mental health specialist who diagnoses and treats mental health conditions

Watchful waiting

If you have mild symptoms of PTSD, or you've had symptoms for less than four weeks, an approach called watchful waiting may be recommended.

Watchful waiting involves carefully monitoring your symptoms to see whether they improve or get worse. It's sometimes recommended because 2 in every 3 people who develop problems after a traumatic experience get better within a few weeks without treatment.

If watchful waiting is recommended, you should have a follow-up appointment within one month.

Psychotherapy

If you have PTSD that requires treatment, psychotherapy is usually recommended first. A combination of psychotherapy and medication may be recommended if you have severe or persistent PTSD.

Psychotherapy is a type of therapy often used to treat emotional problems and mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.

The treatment is carried out by trained mental health professionals who listen to you and help you come up with effective strategies to resolve your problems.

The main types of psychotherapy used to treat people with PTSD are described below.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that aims to help you manage your problems by changing how you think and act.

Trauma-focused CBT uses a range of psychological treatment techniques to help you come to terms with the traumatic event.

For example, your therapist may ask you to confront your traumatic memories by thinking about your experience in detail. During this process your therapist helps you cope with any distress you feel, while identifying any unhelpful thoughts or misrepresentations you have about the experience.

Your therapist can help you gain control of your fear and distress by changing the negative way you think about your experience. For example, feeling you're to blame for what happened or fear that it may happen again.

You may also be encouraged to gradually restart any activities you've avoided since your experience, such as driving a car if you had an accident.

You'll usually have 8-12 weekly sessions of trauma-focused CBT, although fewer may be needed. Sessions usually last for around 60-90 minutes.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new treatment which has been found to reduce the symptoms of PTSD.

It involves making side-to-side eye movements, usually by following the movement of your therapist's finger, while recalling the traumatic incident. Other methods may include the therapist tapping their finger or playing a tone.

It's not clear exactly how EMDR works but it may help you to change the negative way you think about a traumatic experience.

Group therapy

You may also be offered group therapy as some people find it helpful to speak about their experiences with other people who also have PTSD. Group therapy can be used to teach you ways to manage your symptoms and help you understand the condition.

There are also a number of charities which provide counselling and support groups for PTSD. For example:

Combat Stress - a military charity specialising in helping ex-servicemen and women

Rape Crisis - a charity providing a range of services for women and girls who have experienced abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault

Victim Support - providing support and information to victims or witnesses of crime

CRUSE - a UK charity providing support and information for people who have experienced bereavement

Medication

Antidepressants such as paroxetine, sertraline, mirtazapine, amitriptyline or phenelzine are sometimes used to treat PTSD in adults.

Of these medications, paroxetine and sertraline are the only ones licensed specifically for the treatment of PTSD. However, mirtazapine, amitriptyline and phenelzine have also been found to be effective and may be recommended as well.

However, these medications will only be used if:

you choose not to have trauma-focused psychological treatment

psychological treatment wouldn't be effective because there's an ongoing threat of further trauma (such as domestic violence)

you've gained little or no benefit from a course of trauma-focused psychological treatment

you have an underlying medical condition, such as severe depression, that significantly affects your ability to benefit from psychological treatment

Amitriptyline or phenelzine will usually only be used under the supervision of a mental health specialist.

Antidepressants can also be prescribed to reduce any associated symptoms of depression and anxiety and to help with sleeping problems. However, they're not usually prescribed for people younger than 18 unless recommended by a specialist.

If medication for PTSD is effective, it's usually be continued for a minimum of 12 months before being gradually withdrawn over the course of four weeks or longer. If a medication isn't effective at reducing your symptoms, your dosage may be increased.

Before prescribing a medication, your doctor should inform you about possible side effects you may have while taking it, along with any possible withdrawal symptoms when the medication is withdrawn.

For example, common side effects of paroxetine include feeling sick, blurred vision, constipation and diarrhoea.

Possible withdrawal symptoms associated with paroxetine include sleep disturbances, intense dreams, anxiety and irritability. Withdrawal symptoms are less likely if the medication is reduced slowly.

Children and young people

For children and young people with PTSD, trauma-focused CBT is usually recommended.

This normally involves a course of 8-12 sessions that have been adapted to suit the child's age, circumstances and level of development. Where appropriate, treatment includes consulting with and involving the child's family.

Treatment with medication isn't usually recommended for children and young people with PTSD.

Complex PTSD

Complex PTSD may be diagnosed in adults or children who have repeatedly experienced traumatic events, such as violence, neglect or abuse.

Complex PTSD is thought to be more severe if:

the traumatic events happened early in life

the trauma was caused by a parent or carer

the person experienced the trauma for a long time

the person was alone during the trauma

there is still contact with the person responsible for the trauma

As it may take years for the symptoms of complex PTSD to be recognised, a child's development, including their behaviour and self-confidence, can be altered as they get older.

Adults with complex PTSD may lose their trust in people and feel separated from others.

Symptoms of complex PTSD

The symptoms of complex PTSD are similar to symptoms of PTSD but may include:

feelings of shame or guilt

difficulty controlling your emotions

periods of losing attention and concentration - this is known as dissociation

physical symptoms - such as headaches, dizziness, chest pains and stomach aches

cutting yourself off from friends and family

relationship difficulties

destructive or risky behaviour - such as self-harm, alcohol misuse or drug abuse

suicidal thoughts

Treating complex PTSD

One of the key symptoms of complex PTSD is losing trust in people. If possible, people with complex PTSD are recommended to slowly start doing regular activities such as:

finding friends

getting a job

regular exercise

taking on hobbies

It's important to try and develop some feelings of trust. It may take some time, but a trusting relationship with a therapist will help treat complex PTSD.

Treatment from a therapist may be given in three stages, described below.

Stabilisation

One of the first steps in treating complex PTSD may involve speaking with a therapist to learn how to control feelings of distrust and lose the feeling of being 'disconnected' from friends and family.

Certain techniques, known as 'grounding' techniques, may be able to help you separate an abusive or traumatic past from the present. The aim is to make the past seem less frightening and reduce the amount of flashbacks you experience.

With time, you can begin to experience less anxiety and learn to cope with daily life.

Trauma-focused therapy

Trauma-focused therapy may include:

These treatments may help you to control any distressing thoughts but must be approached carefully to avoid making the situation worse.

Reintegration

The final stage is to begin to use these skills and techniques to develop better relationships with other people.

Medication, such as antidepressants, may still be recommended if psychotherapy isn't possible or you feel unsafe.

You can read more information about complex PTSD on the Royal College of Psychiatrists website.

Self-help guide

If you think you're experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), it's important for you to visit your GP and discuss your concerns. The PTSD and CPTSD self-help guide can help with managing symptoms while you wait for an assessment by your GP or a mental health professional.

This guide aims to help you:

consider whether you're experiencing symptoms of PTSD or CPTSD

understand more about PTSD and CPTSD

think about ways to manage or recover from PTSD or CPTSD

The PTSD and CPTSD self-help guide is based on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Therapy (TF-CT). TF-CT aims to help people who have been through trauma and adversity to make sense of what they've experienced, and become less distressed and affected by it.

PTSD and CPTSD self-help guide

Work through a self-help guide for PTSD and CPTSD based on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Therapy (TF-CT).

PTSD and CPTSD self-help guide

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. Learn about PTSD symptoms and treatments.