The Impact of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that is often misunderstood and stigmatised. The impact of the condition extends far beyond the short-term distress most people experience following a traumatic incident. For those living with PTSD, the world can feel unsafe, making it difficult to resume daily activities. Symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance can lead to job loss¹, social isolation², and insomnia³.

PTSD: In the Workplace

Research indicates that up to 13% of individuals living with PTSD are unable to remain employed¹ and many more struggle with the demands of employment. On average, PTSD results in nearly 10 missed workdays per person per year and over 30 days of lost productivity¹.

The pervasive nature of PTSD symptoms can lead to significant workplace challenges, particularly if the inciting trauma is work-related. Interruptions from intrusive memories, emotional disturbances, and reactive outbursts can lower job performance and strain relationships with colleagues, threatening job security⁴.

Some strategies for managing PTSD at work include:

1. Consider disclosing your diagnosis to your employer. Under the Equality Act (2010), you are entitled to reasonable accommodations like flexible scheduling or remote working. If you feel comfortable, you may also benefit from sharing certain aspects of your diagnosis with your coworkers.
2. Identify the triggers at your workplace. By determining your main challenges, you can begin to find solutions for managing your symptoms at work. For example, if you are overwhelmed by rush hour traffic, ask to adjust your start time.
3. Adapt your environment to your needs. The changes you make can be simple, like wearing headphones or earplugs, or more involved, such as relocating your workstation. Speak to your employer about accommodations that you might be able to introduce. 

PTSD: Effects on Relationships

PTSD has a significant impact on social interaction. Hypervigilance and emotional numbness can make connecting with loved ones difficult, and the need to avoid triggers can lead to withdrawal from social situations. This can lead to profound isolation and loneliness².

Many also experience difficulties in romantic relationships, as symptoms may strain relationships, and this discord can intensify symptoms. This can often lead to relationship breakdown, with those with PTSD at a significantly higher risk of divorce⁵.

You may find it helpful to:

1. Keep an open and honest dialogue. Regular communication of boundaries and triggers can help to avoid misunderstandings. PTSD can make it difficult to articulate your feelings, so try to initiate these conversations when you are feeling calm and in a safe place.
2. Get support from a professional. Individual and couples therapy can provide you with coping techniques and communication strategies. This can help you rebuild feelings of trust and safety with your loved ones.
3. View your support network as a team. Try to approach conflicts as a team rather than from opposing sides and solve the problem together. Take breaks when you need to and give yourself (and your loved ones) grace.

PTSD: Sleep Disruption

Sleep disturbances are one of the most common symptoms of PTSD and tend to manifest in three ways: insomnia, night terrors and nightmares, and obstructive sleep apnoea³.

Up to 90% of individuals living with PTSD experience insomnia³, as hyperarousal and the fear of nightmares of their traumatic event can make falling asleep difficult. Nighttime awakenings are also common, leading to a maladaptive sleep cycle.

If you are experiencing sleep disruption, you might benefit if you:

1. Tailor your sleeping space to your needs. While a cool, dark, and quiet environment is recommended for quality sleep, it may not be the right fit for you. Try introducing a white noise machine or a nightlight to ensure that your space feels safe and relaxing.
2. Set boundaries around sleep. It is important to develop your mental association between your bed and sleep, so try to eliminate distractions when in bed. Avoid stressors before bedtime, turn off screens at least an hour before sleep, and if you find yourself unable to sleep, go to another room and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy.
3. Establish a sleep routine. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day can help you get into a rhythm of consistent sleep. A set schedule can make sleep feel more automatic, and the routine may provide a feeling of security around going to sleep.

Past trauma affecting your present life?

MAC is looking for people to take part in a clinical trial for a potential new PTSD treatment. If you are aged between 18 and 65, with symptoms of PTSD, you could be eligible.

You will receive up to £1,680 for your time and commitment, plus travel expenses or transport for visits. Find out more on our PTSD study webpage.

References

1 BMJ Open – Economic burden of PTSD in the UK: a systematic review and economic analysis

2 Baltimore Ketamine Clinic – Why Does PTSD Feel So Lonely?

3 Sleep Foundation – How Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Affects Sleep

4 All Points North – Common Workplace Challenges for Individuals With PTSD

5 National Center for PTSD – Partners of Veterans with PTSD