Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Explains what post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support. Includes tips for helping yourself, and guidance for friends and family.
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Useful contacts
Other organisations
Anxiety UK
03444 775 774 (helpline)
07537 416 905 (text)
anxietyuk.org.uk
Advice and support for people living with anxiety.
ASSIST Trauma Care
assisttraumacare.org.uk
Information and specialist help for people who've experienced trauma or are supporting someone who has.
Birth Trauma Association
birthtraumaassociation.org.uk
Support for anyone affected by birth trauma, including partners.
Body Psychotherapy Network
bodypsychotherapynetwork.co.uk
An organisation aiming to provide a community, a platform and a voice for Body Psychotherapy and body psychotherapists.
Combat Stress
0800 1381 619
combatstress.org.uk
Treatment and support for armed forces veterans who have mental health problems.
Disaster Action
disasteraction.org.uk
Information and support for people affected by major disasters in the UK and overseas.
EMDR Association UK
emdrassociation.org.uk
Professional association of EMDR clinicians and researchers in the UK and Ireland. Provides lots of information about EMDR. Includes a search tool to find EMDR-accredited therapists.
Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse (HAVOCA)
havoca.org
Information and support for adults who have experienced any type of childhood abuse, run by survivors.
The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)
0808 801 0331
[email protected]
napac.org.uk
Supports adult survivors of any form of childhood abuse. Offers a helpline, email support and local services.
NHS UK
nhs.uk
Information about health problems and treatments, including details of local NHS services in England.
NHS talking therapies self-referral
nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-nhs-talking-therapies-service
Information about local NHS therapy services for certain mental health problems. You can self-refer (England only) but you must be registered with a GP.
PTSD Resolution
0300 302 0551
ptsdresolution.org
Helps veterans, reservists and their families with trauma and distress.
PTSD UK
ptsduk.org
Provides information about PTSD and C-PTSD, including different types of treatment, ways to help yourself and how to support someone with PTSD.
RoadPeace
08454 500 355
roadpeace.org
Information and support for people bereaved or seriously injured due to road crashes.
The Survivors Trust
0808 8010 818
thesurvivorstrust.org
Lists local specialist services for survivors of sexual violence, including advocates and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs).
Victim Support
0808 168 9111
victimsupport.org.uk
Provides emotional and practical support for people affected by crime and traumatic events.
This information was published in January 2021. We will revise it in 2024.
References and bibliography available on request.
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