If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), you might be feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or even frightened about what it all means. You might also feel a sense of relief – finally having a name for what you’ve been experiencing. However you’re feeling, please know this: you are not alone. PTSD and C-PTSD are treatable conditions, and there is hope, support, and help available for you every step of the way. At PTSD UK, we’re here to walk alongside you.

How common is PTSD?

In the UK, an estimated 1 in 4 people experience a mental health issue each year, and among those, around 4 in every 100 are diagnosed with PTSD . Research suggests that up to one in three people who experience a traumatic event may go on to develop PTSD . Trauma can take many forms, including:

• Road traffic collisions

• Physical or sexual assault

• Childhood abuse or neglect

• Military combat or exposure to war zones

• Traumatic births

• Serious health diagnoses

• Natural disasters

• Witnessing or being involved in a life-threatening event

Whether the trauma happened recently or many years ago, the effects can be profound – but recovery is absolutely possible.

How you might feel after a diagnosis

Being diagnosed with PTSD or C-PTSD can bring up a flood of emotions. You might feel:

• Relief, because your symptoms finally make sense

• Fear or anxiety about what lies ahead

• Hope that healing is now possible

• Grief for your old life, or how things have changed

• Anger at what happened to you

• Shame or guilt, even though the trauma was not your fault

All of these feelings – and more – are valid. PTSD and C-PTSD affect both the mind and body, and it’s normal to need time to process your diagnosis. You may feel different from other people right now, but the truth is, millions of people live with PTSD and C-PTSD – and many have recovered.

You don’t have to do it alone

Talking about how you feel is one of the most powerful things you can do. Whether you open up to:

• A trusted friend or family member

• A GP or mental health professional

• A therapist or counsellor

• A peer support group or helpline

…sharing your experience can help reduce the sense of isolation PTSD or C-PTSD can bring. You may also want to speak to your employer – if you feel comfortable – as they may be able to offer support such as flexible working, time off, or reasonable adjustments to your workspace.

What treatments are available?

The good news is that PTSD and C-PTSD are treatable, and many people recover completely or learn to manage their symptoms effectively. The NICE guidelines recommend trauma-focused therapies as the first-line treatment, including:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

• Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

These therapies help your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel threatening or overwhelming. They’re widely available through the NHS, although waiting times can vary.

In addition to these, there are other therapeutic and complementary approaches that may support your recovery, such as:

• Somatic therapies (which focus on the connection between body and mind)

• IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy

• Art therapy and music therapy

• Mindfulness and grounding techniques

• Kundalini or trauma-informed yoga

• Equine-assisted therapy

• Outdoor or nature-based therapies (e.g. ocean or surf therapy)

• Exercise and movement (e.g. running, walking, martial arts)

In some cases, medication such as antidepressants may be prescribed to help with specific symptoms like depression, anxiety, or sleep issues – but they are usually used alongside therapy, not as a standalone solution .

You can explore many of these treatments and approaches in more detail in the PTSD UK blog.

Knowledge is power

Learning more about PTSD and C-PTSD can help you make sense of your experiences and feel more in control of your recovery. Understanding what’s happening in your brain and body isn’t just comforting – it’s empowering. We have a wide range of resources on our site, from symptom trackers and treatment overviews to lived experiences and downloadable tools.

The road ahead

Recovery from PTSD or C-PTSD is not always linear. Some days may feel easier than others, and setbacks can happen – but that doesn’t mean you’re failing. Healing is a journey, and every step you take matters.

There’s no right or wrong way to feel right now. What matters is that you’ve taken the first, incredibly brave step by seeking help and getting a diagnosis. From here, you can start to find the tools, support, and treatments that are right for you.

And remember – you are not broken. You are responding in a completely human way to something overwhelming. With time, care, and the right support, healing is possible.

We’re with you – for as long as it takes.