Living with Mental Illness

• Understanding your diagnosis
• Treatment and recovery
• Managing stress
• What to do in a crisis
• Succeeding in life
• Faith and spirituality
• Disclosing to others
• Romantic relationships

Family Members and Caregivers

Mental illness does not only affect individuals. It impacts the very core of who they are, including their families, friends, co-workers, and communities. Family and friends often provide emotional support, practical help, and financial assistance to those affected.

• Learn how to support your family member and your family
• Supporting recovery
• Taking care of yourself
• Maintaining a healthy relationship
• What to do in a crisis
• Finding a missing loved one
• Handling the arrest of a family member

Identity and Cultural Dimensions

Our culture, beliefs, sexual identity, values, race, and language all influence how we perceive and experience mental health conditions. Cultural differences can affect which treatments, coping strategies, and support systems are most effective. It is essential for culture and identity to be part of the conversation when discussing mental health and mental health care.

A person must feel comfortable and understood by their mental health professional for the therapeutic relationship to be effective. This includes having confidence that the professional recognises their identity and is open to discussing it. When a mental health professional takes cultural differences into account during diagnosis and care, the outcomes can be significantly improved.

Mental health care should be tailored to each individual, taking into account their identity, culture, and lived experience. As an individual or caregiver, do not hesitate to advocate for yourself or your loved one. Although it is not always easy, finding the right provider is essential. Cultural and language differences should never stand in the way of healing or recovery.

Your culture, including shared community values, personal experiences, faith and spirituality, resilience, relationships, family connections, and pride in your background, can become a source of strength and support.

Treatments

• Psychotherapy
• Mental health medications
• Psychosocial treatments
• Complementary health approaches
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and other brain stimulation therapies

Brain Stimulation Therapies

If medication and therapy do not relieve depression or other mental health conditions, a psychiatrist may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or another form of brain stimulation. These treatments work by stimulating the brain using electricity, magnets, or implants.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT is often used with individuals who have a serious mental illness, such as major depression or bipolar disorder. It is performed under anaesthesia and involves applying small electric currents to trigger a brief, controlled seizure in the brain. ECT appears to create changes in brain chemistry that can quickly improve certain mental health symptoms.

Although ECT is effective, it is often underused. This may be due to stigma, misinformation, limited availability, or concerns about side effects. However, modern ECT is very different from earlier versions used decades ago. The aim, as with any treatment, is to provide the greatest benefit with the least possible risk. ECT has become a safe and effective option.

Treatment is usually delivered as a series of sessions, often a couple of times per week. Patients are asleep during the procedure and typically wake up five to ten minutes afterwards. Most are able to resume normal activities within an hour. Some people continue with occasional "maintenance ECT" sessions after completing their initial course. Between 70 and 90 percent of individuals who receive ECT report an improvement in their depression.

Common side effects of ECT may include:

• Headaches, muscle soreness, or nausea
• Short-term memory loss (this may happen during treatment but tends to be temporary)
• Long-term memory loss (rare and usually not permanent)

You can find more information about ECT and hear personal stories from individuals who have benefited from this treatment option.

About Mental Health

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, as well as how we relate to others, handle stress, and make healthy choices. It is important at every stage of life.

About Mental Illness

Mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, emotions, behaviour, mood, and ability to relate to others. It impacts their day-to-day functioning.

Mental illness is not anyone’s fault. Experiencing mental illness does not mean someone is broken, and for people of faith, it does not imply a lack of faith or the presence of sin.

Mental illness is very common. One in four adults in the UK experiences mental illness. One in six young people aged 6–17 experiences a mental health disorder. Half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was limited awareness and conversation around mental illness. Since then, there has been much more awareness, although some people still feel afraid or unwilling to talk about their struggles.

Research suggests that early treatment for mental illness significantly improves long-term quality of life. Early diagnosis and intervention offer the best chance of recovery.

Causes

Mental health conditions are believed to have several contributing factors. Biochemical imbalances and brain structure may play a role. Genetics, environment, lifestyle, and traumatic experiences also influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. For instance, a high-stress job or difficult life circumstances can increase the risk.

Recovery is possible, especially when treatment begins early. It is important for individuals to take an active role in their recovery by working in partnership with mental health professionals.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Unlike physical illnesses, mental health conditions cannot be diagnosed through standard tests. Symptoms can differ greatly between individuals and vary depending on the type of condition.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Mood changes
• Persistent worry or fear
• Deep sadness or feeling low
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating and solving problems
• Ongoing anger or irritability
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or social activities
• Difficulty relating to others
• Changes in appetite – either loss of appetite or increased hunger
• Changes in sleep patterns – sleeping too much, always feeling tired, or having low energy
• Changes in sex drive
• Trouble perceiving reality – such as hallucinations or delusions
• Lack of awareness of their condition (insight)
• Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
• Feeling physically unwell with no clear cause
• Suicidal thoughts
• Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks or stress
• Obsession with body image or weight

Mental Illness in Children

In children, mental illness often presents as behavioural changes. Children may struggle to express how they feel, so symptoms may include:

• Frequent temper tantrums
• Hyperactive behaviour
• Nightmares
• Poor performance in school
• Anxiety and excessive worry
• Irritability or fighting
• Disobedience and aggression

Mental Health Conditions

Overview | Treatment | Support

• Anxiety Disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Dissociative Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Psychosis
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Schizophrenia

Anxiety Disorders

Overview
Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each with different symptoms.

Causes
Research indicates that anxiety disorders result from a combination of factors:

• Genetics: Anxiety may run in families.
• Environment: Stressful or traumatic life events such as abuse, bereavement, violence, or chronic illness are often linked to anxiety.

Everyone experiences anxiety. It can help us prepare, stay alert, and take precautions. For example, anxiety before public speaking or driving in traffic is normal. However, when fear and distress become overwhelming and interfere with daily life, professional support may be needed.

Statistics
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions. Over 40 million adults in the United States (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder. Around 7% of children aged 3–17 experience anxiety-related issues each year. Most people show symptoms before the age of 21.

Symptoms
Anxiety causes persistent and excessive worry in non-threatening situations. People may experience both emotional and physical symptoms.

Emotional symptoms:

• Feeling apprehensive or tense
• Restlessness or irritability
• Feeling on edge
• Constantly anticipating the worst

Physical symptoms:

• Pounding or racing heart, shortness of breath
• Sweating, trembling, or twitching
• Headaches, tiredness, or trouble sleeping
• Upset stomach, frequent urination, or diarrhoea

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD causes chronic worrying about everyday matters. This can interfere with concentration, sleep, and daily tasks, often leading to physical symptoms like headaches, tension, or nausea.

Social Anxiety Disorder
This involves an intense fear of social interaction, often rooted in irrational concerns about being embarrassed or judged. Individuals may avoid conversations or public speaking and may experience panic attacks in social settings.

Panic Disorder
Characterised by unexpected panic attacks, this disorder can cause chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Panic attacks can occur without warning, and people may go to great lengths to avoid triggers.

Phobias
Phobias are irrational fears of specific places, situations, or objects. People with phobias may make major life adjustments to avoid their triggers, which can severely limit their lives.

Other anxiety disorders include:

• Agoraphobia
• Selective mutism
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Substance or medication-induced anxiety disorder (caused by intoxication, withdrawal, or side effects)

Diagnosis and Treatment

Because the physical symptoms of anxiety can resemble other medical conditions like heart disease or thyroid disorders, a full medical assessment is often the first step. If no physical cause is found, a referral to mental health professionals is made for further evaluation.

Treatment options include:

• Psychotherapy – particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Medication – such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs
• Complementary approaches – including relaxation techniques and stress management

Related Conditions

Anxiety disorders often occur alongside other mental health issues such as:

• Depression
• Substance misuse
• Eating disorders
• Sleep difficulties
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Overview:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Around two-thirds of both children and adults with ADHD also experience other conditions. These may include anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, sleep disorders, bedwetting, substance misuse, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, persistent destructive or violent behaviour, and difficulty accepting authority.

Statistics:
ADHD affects both children and adults. It is usually diagnosed during childhood and affects approximately 8.8% of children aged 4 to 17. Research also suggests that 4.4% of adults aged 18 to 44 are affected. With the right support, individuals with ADHD can lead normal lives and reach their full potential.

Symptoms:
Although some behaviours associated with ADHD may seem normal, they can become disruptive and persistent for those affected. These symptoms often last for more than six months and can impact daily functioning.

Signs of inattention include:

• Poor concentration and difficulty completing tasks
• Becoming easily distracted and switching from one activity to another
• Quickly losing interest in tasks
• Difficulty finishing homework or assignments
• Trouble processing information quickly
• Lack of motivation
• Frequently losing items
• Difficulty following instructions
• Not paying attention during conversations

Signs of hyperactivity include:

• Restlessness and an inability to sit still
• Excessive talking and difficulty being interrupted
• Struggling to engage in quiet activities
• Overactive or overly playful behaviour

Signs of impulsivity include:

• Lack of patience
• Acting without thinking of the consequences
• Interrupting others frequently

Causes:
ADHD tends to run in families, indicating a strong genetic component. Environmental factors such as smoking or alcohol use during pregnancy have also been linked to increased risk. Exposure to lead in early childhood is another potential contributing factor.

Diagnosis:
Although ADHD can occur at any age, it is most often diagnosed in childhood. Diagnosis can be challenging, as many symptoms are similar to typical childhood behaviour. Teachers often notice the signs first, as they observe children in structured environments.

There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. A medical professional will gather information from various sources to rule out other causes such as medical issues, environmental changes, or academic challenges.

Treatment:
ADHD can be effectively managed through a combination of:

• Medication
• Behavioural therapy
• Self-care strategies, education, and support in schools or workplaces

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes significant shifts in mood, energy levels, and thought processes. Individuals experience alternating episodes of high energy (mania) and low mood (depression). These episodes are more intense and persistent than typical mood changes.

The condition most commonly begins around age 25, although it can rarely appear during teenage years or childhood. It affects approximately 2.8% of the population, and 83% of cases are reported as severe.

With early identification and treatment, individuals can lead fulfilling lives. Treatment plans often include medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Without intervention, however, bipolar disorder can worsen over time and have a serious impact on well-being.

Symptoms:
The severity of symptoms varies. Some individuals may have long periods without symptoms, while others may experience rapid shifts or simultaneous symptoms of mania and depression. In severe cases, episodes may include psychotic features such as hallucinations or delusions, which tend to reflect the individual’s extreme mood. This can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis as schizophrenia.

Depression

Depressive disorder, commonly known as depression, is more than just feeling sad or going through a difficult time. It is a serious mental health condition that requires support, understanding, and medical attention.

Without treatment, depression can have a lasting impact on the individual and their loved ones. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. Depression may appear as a single episode or as recurring periods throughout life. Without intervention, episodes can last for months or even years.

Statistics:
In 2020, around 21 million adults in the United States (8.4% of the population) experienced at least one major depressive episode. People of all backgrounds and ages are affected, although some groups may experience higher rates than others.

Symptoms:
Symptoms vary between individuals, but depression usually disrupts daily functioning for at least two weeks. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Changes in sleep (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
• Changes in appetite (loss or increase)
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Loss of interest in activities
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt
• Slowed movements or restlessness
• Unexplained physical aches and pains
• Suicidal thoughts

Causes:
Depression does not have one single cause. It may be triggered by life events, physical illness, or may arise without an obvious reason. Several factors may contribute:

• Trauma: Early life trauma can alter how the brain responds to fear and stress, increasing the risk of depression.
• Genetics: Depression often runs in families.
• Life circumstances: Relationship changes, financial problems, and stressful living conditions can influence mental health.
• Brain changes: Studies have shown reduced activity in certain parts of the brain during depression. Hormonal changes also play a role.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as chronic illness, pain, sleep disorders, or ADHD can increase risk.
• Substance misuse: Drug and alcohol abuse can worsen depressive symptoms and increase the risk of major depressive episodes.

Diagnosis:
A person may be diagnosed with depression if symptoms last longer than two weeks and significantly affect daily life. A full medical assessment is important to rule out other possible causes.

Treatment:
Although depression can be debilitating, it often responds well to treatment. A personalised care plan may include:

• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, or family-focused therapy
• Medication, including antidepressants, mood stabilisers, or antipsychotic medications
• Lifestyle changes, including regular physical activity
• Brain stimulation therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
• Light therapy, especially for seasonal depression
• Complementary approaches, including acupuncture, meditation, faith-based practices, and nutritional support

If suicidal thoughts are present, safety planning and urgent support are essential.

Eating Disorders

Overview

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that cause individuals to become extremely preoccupied with food, body weight, and shape. This intense focus often interferes with daily life and leads to emotional distress, physical health issues, low self-esteem, and a loss of control. Eating disorders vary in symptoms and behaviours, and often begin in adolescence or early adulthood. Early intervention is essential. Without treatment, eating disorders can lead to life-threatening complications, particularly when insight and awareness decline.

Causes

Multiple factors increase the risk of developing an eating disorder, including:

• Genetics: A family history (parents or siblings) of eating disorders increases susceptibility.
• Age: Most commonly begins during teenage years or early twenties.
• Gender: Although more prevalent in females, research shows eating disorders in males may be under-diagnosed.
• Environment: Cultural ideals and media pressure to attain a ‘perfect body’ influence body image.
• Emotional health: Low self-esteem, trauma, toxic relationships, or reckless behaviours can contribute.
• Dieting: Extreme or restrictive dieting is a known risk factor.
• Significant life changes: Puberty, university transitions, family separation, or bereavement.
• Peer pressure and trauma: Bullying, teasing about weight, or experiences of sexual abuse increase vulnerability.
• Activities: Eating disorders are more common among athletes, gymnasts, dancers, and wrestlers due to body-focused disciplines.

Types and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

All eating disorders involve unhealthy relationships with food and weight. Many individuals use these behaviours to cope with emotional distress.

Anorexia Nervosa

Characterised by extreme restriction of food intake and a fear of gaining weight, even when underweight. Individuals may also binge, purge, or overexercise.

Symptoms:

• Irritability and emotional withdrawal
• Obsession with food, calories, and exercise
• Significant weight loss
• Menstrual irregularities
• Constipation, stomach pain
• Low blood pressure, slow heart rate
• Dehydration, insomnia

Bulimia Nervosa

Involves episodes of binge eating followed by purging (vomiting, laxatives, excessive exercise). Individuals usually maintain a normal or slightly above-normal weight.

Symptoms:

• Feelings of guilt, shame, and loss of control
• Damage to teeth and digestive system
• Acid reflux
• Dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance leading to heart problems
• Social withdrawal

Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Characterised by frequent binge eating without purging. Individuals often eat when not hungry and experience feelings of guilt or disgust afterwards. Weight may range from normal to obese.

Diagnosis

• Early diagnosis improves recovery outcomes.
• Physical assessments and laboratory tests are used to rule out medical causes.
• Mental health evaluations assess eating habits, thoughts, and behaviours.
• Diagnosis is based on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
• Co-occurring conditions often include depression, anxiety, OCD, borderline personality disorder, and substance misuse.

Treatment

Treatment varies based on the specific disorder and individual needs:

• Psychotherapy (such as CBT)
• Medication, including antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication
• Nutritional counselling and meal support
• Family-based therapy, particularly for children and adolescents

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Overview

OCD is marked by obsessions (intrusive, repetitive thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed to relieve distress). Individuals with OCD are often aware that their thoughts and actions are irrational but feel unable to control them.

Symptoms often begin in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. Unlike ordinary habits, OCD symptoms cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.

Obsessions May Include:

• Fears of harming others
• Doubts about safety (e.g. leaving the cooker on)
• Disturbing sexual or violent thoughts
• Fears of shouting or behaving inappropriately in public

Compulsions May Include:

• Excessive handwashing
• Rechecking locks or appliances
• Counting or repeating tasks
• Mental rituals to neutralise thoughts

Causes

The exact cause of OCD is unknown. However, factors believed to contribute include:

• Brain function abnormalities
• Genetics – OCD tends to run in families
• Environmental factors

Research suggests OCD in males tends to begin earlier than in females.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis involves:

• Physical examination to rule out medical causes or substance misuse
• Assessment against DSM criteria, which include:
  • Presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both
  • Symptoms lasting more than one hour a day
  • Disruption to daily life and relationships

Treatment

Although there is no cure, OCD can be effectively managed through:

• Psychotherapy, particularly CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Related Conditions

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

A preoccupation with perceived physical flaws. Individuals may engage in excessive grooming, picking, or cosmetic procedures.

Hoarding Disorder

A strong urge to collect items and difficulty discarding them. This leads to cluttered, unsafe living spaces and impacts physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing.

Trichotillomania

Compulsive hair pulling, nail biting, or teeth grinding, especially under stress. Can lead to injury or medical complications if left untreated.

Excoriation Disorder

Repeated skin picking resulting in lesions or infections.

Support for OCD and Related Conditions

Self-Help Strategies:

• Learn about OCD to understand your experiences
• Avoid known triggers
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including sleep and diet
• Engage in hobbies, fitness, or meaningful activities
• Set goals and celebrate progress
• Join support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges
• Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs, as they may worsen symptoms

Supporting Others:

• Educate yourself about the condition
• Be patient and avoid judgment
• Encourage open and honest communication
• Let your loved one talk when they are ready

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental illness that affects an individual's ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. The average age of onset is in the late teens to early twenties for men, and the late twenties to early thirties for women.

It is rare to be diagnosed before the age of 12 or after 40. Diagnosis in teenagers can be challenging, as early signs of schizophrenia, such as changes in friendships, declining academic performance, sleep disturbances, and irritability, often resemble typical adolescent behaviour.

Diagnosis

To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, an individual must show reduced functioning for at least six months, along with at least two of the following symptoms:

• Hallucinations: Hearing, seeing, or smelling things that others do not. These experiences feel very real to the person affected. Voices may be familiar or unfamiliar and can sound critical, threatening, or commanding.
• Delusions: Fixed false beliefs that remain despite clear evidence or reasoning. Individuals may have trouble concentrating, display confused thinking, or feel that their thoughts are blocked.
• Negative symptoms: These reduce a person’s ability to function and include flat emotions, disconnected speech, lack of motivation, disinterest in life, and difficulty maintaining relationships. These symptoms can be mistaken for clinical depression.
• Cognitive issues: Problems with memory, organisation, and task completion.
• Lack of insight (anosognosia): The person is unaware they have an illness, which makes treatment more difficult.

Causes

• Genetics: Family history significantly increases the likelihood of developing schizophrenia.
• Environment: Exposure to viruses or malnutrition in the womb, particularly in the first and second trimesters, may raise risk.
• Brain chemistry: Abnormalities in brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters, are thought to contribute.
• Substance misuse: Drug use in the teenage years and early adulthood, particularly cannabis, methamphetamines, or LSD, increases risk. The younger the use begins, the greater the risk.

Challenges in Diagnosis

Schizophrenia is difficult to diagnose, especially when symptoms mimic drug-induced psychosis. Lack of insight can also make it hard for individuals to seek help. Early diagnosis improves outcomes, reduces hospital admissions, and shortens the time needed to manage symptoms.

Treatment

While there is no cure, schizophrenia can be managed through:

• Antipsychotic medications
• Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or supportive therapy
• Self-management strategies and psychoeducation

Individuals may also experience co-occurring conditions, including substance misuse, PTSD, OCD, and major depressive disorder.

Psychosis

Psychosis refers to a range of symptoms that affect thoughts and perceptions, leading to difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not. It is not a condition in itself, but a feature of various mental health disorders.

Key Features

• Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that others do not.
  • Auditory hallucinations (hearing voices)
  • Visual distortions
  • Unexplained physical sensations
• Delusions: Strongly held beliefs that are irrational or not based in reality. Examples include:
  • Believing that external forces are controlling one's thoughts or actions
  • Attributing personal meaning to unrelated events or objects
  • Believing one has special powers, is on a mission, or is a divine figure

Prevalence

Psychosis is more common than often assumed. Research shows that 3 in 100 people will experience an episode of psychosis at some point in life. Approximately 100,000 young people are affected each year.

Early Warning Signs

Psychosis often develops gradually. Recognising the early signs and seeking medical attention early can help reduce or reverse its impact. Individuals experiencing early psychosis may not understand what is happening to them, and family members may find it difficult to convince them to seek help due to fear, stigma, or lack of insight.

Early symptoms include:

• Difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating
• Decline in personal hygiene and self-care
• Self-isolation
• Increased suspicion or unease around others
• Strong or inappropriate emotional responses
• Poor performance at school or work
• Persistent unusual thoughts or beliefs
• Experiencing sensory changes others do not

Causes

Though research is ongoing, several risk factors have been identified:

• Genetics
• Trauma, including bereavement, abuse, or exposure to war
• Substance misuse
• Physical illness or injury, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV
• Mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe depression

Early intervention during the first episode leads to the best recovery outcomes.

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What is Trauma?

Trauma is the emotional, psychological, or physical response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event. It overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope and can have long-lasting effects.

Trauma can happen to anyone and varies in its impact based on individual resilience, available support systems, and the nature of the experience.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after exposure to a traumatic event or prolonged distress, such as abuse or violence. PTSD symptoms may appear soon after the event or be delayed. Women are statistically more at risk of developing PTSD.

PTSD often co-exists with other conditions such as depression, anxiety, OCD, borderline personality disorder, and substance misuse.

Types of Trauma

• Acute trauma: A single event, such as an accident or assault
• Chronic trauma: Repeated exposure to distress, such as domestic violence
• Complex trauma: Multiple events over time, often involving feelings of entrapment or helplessness

Risk Factors for PTSD

• Previous trauma
• Limited social or family support
• Personal or family history of mental illness or drug use
• Exposure to additional stress before or after the traumatic event
• Systemic or interpersonal harm such as racism or discrimination

Healing from trauma often requires time, patience, support, and appropriate therapy tailored to individual experiences.