As with many other mental health disorders, there is a lot of stigma surrounding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in modern society
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, or who have experienced or witnessed multiple traumatic events over a prolonged period of time.
The disorder has been known by many names in the past, such as “shell shock” during the years of World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II. But PTSD does not just happen to combat veterans. PTSD can occur in all people, in people of any ethnicity, nationality or culture, and any age.
In South Africa, the lifetime prevalence for PTSD in the general population is estimated at 2.3%.
A 2017 study by the University of Stellenbosch revealed that more than 20% of South African children have symptoms of PTSD and urgently need treatment. At PTSD SA our aim is to offer support and advice to all South Africans suffering from this disorder.
If you are living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, please remember the following:
You are not alone
Your feelings and emotions are valid
There is a way to get help