In our HCML HealthCast podcast episode, we welcomed back Emily, one of our expert voices on mental health, to discuss Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This often misunderstood condition affects individuals from all walks of life and can have long-lasting personal, social and professional impacts.
What is PTSD?❤️
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a mental health condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or distressed shortly afterwards, PTSD is diagnosed when symptoms last longer than a month and begin to interfere with day-to-day life.
Emily clarified the distinction between PTSD and acute stress reactions—natural, short-term responses that often resolve within the first few weeks. PTSD, on the other hand, can emerge well after the event, in what’s known as delayed onset
Prevalence and Misconceptions 🙏
Despite growing awareness, PTSD is still widely misunderstood. According to the World Health Organization, around 5.6% of the global population experiences PTSD symptoms. In the UK, approximately three in every 100 adults screen positive for PTSD.
This highlights why more accurate language and understanding around PTSD is essential. Casual references can trivialise what is a deeply serious and life-altering condition.
What is a Traumatic Event?❤️
A traumatic event doesn’t have to be life-threatening to lead to PTSD.
What matters is that the experience causes an overwhelming sense of fear, helplessness or horror. Crucially, trauma is individual. What feels traumatic to one person may not feel the same to another.
Symptoms of PTSD 🚀🙏
PTSD affects people in different ways, but common symptoms include:
Intrusive thoughts: Distressing memories, nightmares or flashbacks that feel uncontrollable.
Avoidance: Deliberately avoiding reminders of the trauma—whether people, places, conversations or emotions.
Negative changes in mood or thinking: Persistent shame, guilt, anger or emotional numbness. Many people feel as if they’ve fundamentally changed.
Physical symptoms: Sleep problems, fatigue, headaches, heart palpitations, stomach issues and other anxiety-related sensations.
Impact on work and relationships: Difficulties concentrating, maintaining routines, or feeling emotionally connected to others.
“Some individuals describe a complete shift in who they are—as if the trauma has changed their identity,” Emily explained.
How to Support Someone with PTSD 🚀
Supporting someone with PTSD starts with compassion. Encouraging professional help is key. Emily recommends organisations such as:
Your local IAPT or NHS mental health services
In the workplace, Mental Health First Aiders can be instrumental in offering initial support and signposting the right services.
🏢 Did you know? According to HCML’s corporate wellbeing survey, 79% of UK employers offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)—but just 27% of employees are even aware of it, and only 3–5% actually use it.
Worryingly, only 16% of EAPs offer musculoskeletal support, and fewer than a third provide nutritional advice—both of which are crucial for individuals experiencing the physical impacts of PTSD.
These findings highlight a key concern: even when resources are in place, a lack of awareness and accessibility means many people still fall through the cracks.
Final Thoughts: Recovery is Possible
While PTSD can be extremely difficult to live with, it is also highly treatable. With the right support and interventions, whether therapy, medical care, lifestyle changes or social support—many people go on to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
“Don’t give up,” Emily urged. “It’s tough, yes—but there is help, there is hope, and there is recovery.”
Need extra support?
While many of these strategies can be used independently, sometimes additional support is needed. If you’re finding it difficult to cope, consider speaking with a therapist or mental health professional.
At HCML, we’re committed to supporting individuals and organisations through:
Workplace health guidance
Mental health interventions
Holistic rehabilitation services
Contact us to find out how we can help.
Learn more about our mental health services.