Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD often develops after a traumatic event, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster. It can impact mental and emotional well-being long after the event.

Symptoms

Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the event
Nightmares or trouble sleeping
Avoidance of places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma
Feelings of irritability, anger, or heightened anxiety

Coping Strategies

Grounding Exercises: Techniques like focusing on your surroundings can help during flashbacks.
Journaling: Writing about thoughts and feelings can aid in processing emotions.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Meditation or breathing exercises can reduce PTSD-related anxiety.

Where to Find Help

Therapy Options: Trauma-focused therapies, like EMDR, are effective for PTSD.
Support Groups: Joining a PTSD support group can provide a sense of community and understanding.
Helplines: Organisations like Combat Stress offer specific resources for PTSD support.

Get help

Mind UK

Mind provides advice and support to anyone experiencing mental health problems. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Services include:

Information and advice on mental health issues.
Support groups and counselling options.
Tools for managing mental health and well-being.

Visit their website: www.mind.org.uk
Or call their helpline: 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm).

Local Councils in London:

Local councils offer support services for housing, employment, and referrals:

Camden: camden.gov.uk
Islington: islington.gov.uk
Haringey: haringey.gov.uk
Barnet: barnet.gov.uk
Enfield: enfield.gov.uk

For additional help, contact your local mental health crisis line by calling 111 or visiting 111 online.

London Mental Health Trusts:

Find mental health support from NHS services across London:

Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust – Visit Website
Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust – Visit Website
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust – Visit Website
East London NHS Foundation Trust – Visit Website
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust – Visit Website
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) – Visit Website
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust – Visit Website
Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust – Visit Website
West London NHS Trust – Visit Website

Additional Resources:

Childline – 0800 1111 (Support for young people under 19)
Samaritans – 116 123 (24/7 emotional support)
Hopeline (Papyrus) – 0800 068 4141 (Suicide prevention helpline)
NSPCC – 0808 800 5000 (Child safety concerns)
Self Harm UK – www.selfharmuk.org (Support for self-harm)
Young Minds – www.youngminds.org.uk (Mental health support)
Kooth – www.kooth.com (Anonymous well-being support)
Papyrus – www.papyrus.org (Help for suicidal thoughts)