Have you ever lost your patience with someone, only to realise that they might be struggling with something deeper? It could be mild anxiety, or it could be something more serious, like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. According to the NHS (2015), PTSD is an anxiety disorder triggered by highly stressful, frightening, or distressing experiences. While many associate PTSD with violent incidents such as armed robbery, assault, or rape, it can also result from non-violent yet deeply distressing events like:
- The sudden loss of a loved one
- A miscarriage or complicated childbirth
- A serious accident or natural disaster
- Workplace trauma, such as exposure to violence or harassment
- Long-term emotional abuse or neglect
These events can leave lasting emotional scars, making it difficult for individuals to move forward without proper support and care.
Why Are We Talking About PTSD?
At Avon HMO, mental wellness is a priority. In a country where we are constantly bombarded with news of armed attacks, terrorism, and other traumatic events, the impact on mental health is often ignored. Unfortunately, many Nigerians still attribute mental illness to supernatural causes rather than recognizing the psychological toll of distressing experiences.
This widespread lack of awareness discourages people from seeking help. However, credible online resources such as the NHS UK and PTSDUK.org offer valuable information, including self-assessment tools. In Nigeria, organizations like the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative provide support for individuals and families affected by PTSD and other mental health conditions.
There Is Strength in Seeking Help
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing PTSD, consider the following questions:
- Have you had nightmares about a traumatic experience?
- Are you constantly on edge or easily startled?
- Do you struggle to suppress distressing memories?
- Have you been experiencing difficulty sleeping?
- Do you frequently feel irritable or angry?
- Are you withdrawing from friends and loved ones?
- Have you lost interest in activities you once enjoyed?
- Do you experience anxiety attacks, particularly in certain situations like traffic?
- Are you struggling to focus or solve problems?
- Do you find it difficult to express your emotions?
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions and have been experiencing these symptoms for more than a week, it’s important to seek support. Talking to a loved one is a great first step, but professional help is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
You Are Not Alone
There is no shame in seeking help for PTSD. Mental health struggles do not define your strength—in fact, acknowledging them is a sign of resilience. At Avon HMO, our Preventive and Wellness Team is available to guide you toward the right support.
Also Read: Five Ways To Improve Mental Health In Your Workplace
References
NHS UK: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/pages/introduction.aspx
PTSD UK: https://www.ptsduk.org/what-is-ptsd/
