Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event that you either experience yourself or witness. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Any event that overwhelms you with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness can trigger PTSD.
The sooner PTSD is treated, the easier it is to overcome. Remember, PTSD is not a sign of weakness, and the only way to overcome it is to confront what happened. Treatment typically includes psychotherapy with a mental health professional, family therapy, and medication.
What is normal?
After a traumatic experience, it’s normal to feel frightened, sad, or anxious. It’s also very common to have bad dreams, feel fearful, and find it difficult to stop thinking about what happened. For most people these symptoms last for several days or maybe weeks. But if the upset doesn’t fade, and you feel stuck with a constant sense of danger and painful memories, you may be suffering from PTSD.
What are common signs and symptoms?
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types.
Intrusive memories:
- Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
- Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
- Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
- Severe emotional distress to something that reminds you of the traumatic event
Avoidance:
- Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
- Avoiding places, activities, or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Negative changes in thinking and mood:
- Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world
- Hopelessness about the future
- Memory problems
- Feeling detached from family and friends
- Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
- Feeling emotionally numb
Changes in physical and emotional reactions:
- Being easily startled or frightened
- Always being on guard for danger
- Self-destructive behaviour, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Angry outbursts or aggressive behaviour
- Overwhelming guilt or shame
Should I seek help?
If you have disturbing thoughts and feelings about a traumatic event for more than a month, if they're severe, or if you feel you're having trouble getting your life back under control, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. The sooner PTSD is treated, the easier it is to overcome.
If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, seek emergency treatment immediately—call 911 or the Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis line at 1-888-429-8167.
Tools
PSPNET (Public Safety Personnel)
PSPNETAs part of the Government of Canada’s National Action Plan on Posttraumatic Stress Injuries, PSPNET is offering and evaluating Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy, also known as ICBT, specifically tailored for current and former Public...
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Mental Health 101
The Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthKnowledge is power. This series of free online tutorials is a starting point for learning about mental health. You can come away with a greater understanding of the mental health concern you are interested in knowing more about. The tutorials can...
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33 Program(s)
RASP (Rapid Access and Stabilization Program)
RASP offers patients that live in the Central Zone timely access to psychiatry consultation and the benefit of early input from a psychiatrist for the diagnosis and management of their mental health difficulties.
Referrals from primary care...
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place provides a safe, non-clinical, non-stigma space for clients who are stable in the diagnoses to attend on a weekly basis. The activities planned for each week vary, ranging from cooking low-cost, simple meals; what resources are...
Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake
Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Intake is the entry point for all requests for service through the provincial toll free number 1-855-922-1122 Monday to Friday and all week-day holidays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as well as Tuesday and Thursday...
Access Wellness Nova Scotia
Access Wellness is a free single-session supportive counselling service for individuals (18 years and older), couples or families.
Sessions can be held over the phone, online with video, or in-person. People can speak with a qualified professional...
Mental Health Acute Day Hospital
The Mental Health Acute Day Hospital cares for people with intense mental health issues or concerns. We offer:
- More closely monitored care than what is offered by community MHA clinics
- Support after you are discharged from an inpatient...
Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq - Mental Wellness Team
The Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Mental Wellness Team provides case management and service navigation for First Nations persons of all ages seeking mental wellness services.
We work in collaboration with relevant community and provincial...
Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line
The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience. Call 1-866-925-4419.
There are no fees associated with use and this service is...
IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program
The IWK Mental Health and Addictions Program provides specialized care throughout the province for children and youth up until their 19th birthday within a patient and family...
Canadian Mental Health Association - Colchester East Hants Branch
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Colchester East Hants Branch provides public education, advocacy, and a resource center to support the resiliency and recovery of people...
Canadian Mental Health Association - Halifax-Dartmouth Branch
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Halifax-Dartmouth Branch works at the community level and facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve...
Canadian Mental Health Association - Nova Scotia Division
Canadian Mental Health Associations in Nova Scotia are the oldest community-based mental health and addictions charitable organizations in the province, founded in 1908. The CMHA...
Healthy Minds Cooperative
Healthy Minds Cooperative is an innovative mental health cooperative that provides a variety of peer-based services to people with lived experience of mental health issues and to...
Eskasoni Mental Health
Eskasoni Mental Health Services (EMHS) provides a wide range of services to the Mi’kmaq people of Eskasoni, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The Tui'kn Residential School Survivor Team...
Caregivers Nova Scotia
Caregivers Nova Scotia provides free programs, services, information, and advocacy for family and friend caregivers. We are dedicated to providing recognition and practical assistance to friends and family giving care.
211
211 is a free, confidential information and referral service that can connect you to thousands of programs and services offered by local community groups, nonprofits and government departments across Nova Scotia, 24/7.
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services - Mental Health Programs and Services
Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is responsible for administering Non-Public Property (NPP) on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff and for delivering...
Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service
Veterans Affairs provide targeted services and benefits to improve well-being including support and services related to your physical and mental health and wellness.The VAC...
Families Matter in Mental Health
Families Matter in Mental Health is an 11-week education and support program for family or friends who are providing practical and/or emotional support to someone who has a...
Health Psychology
Health Psychology offers psychological interventions for those with chronic and acute health conditions. The main focus is on the patient's mental and emotional reaction to an illness or their recovery from an illness.
Wellness Court
Wellness Court Programs are specialty or problem-solving courts, where a team of professionals helps treat the issues contributing to the individual coming into conflict with the...
Geriatric Psychiatry Acute Inpatient Unit
The Geriatric Psychiatry Acute Inpatient Unit is for individuals over the age of 65 with a new onset of mental illness or for individuals of any age with dementia and complicated medical and/or psychological symptoms.
Geriatric Psychiatry Outpatient Program
Seniors mental health services provide assessment, consultation and treatments to:
- seniors aged 65 and older for a new onset of mental health challenges
- individuals of any...
DaRT Program
The Dynamic (attachment-focused) Relational Therapy Program (DaRT) is a part-time six week intensive group psychotherapy program. It is a treatment program that is designed to support adults who have experienced complex emotional trauma resulting in...
Adult Neurodevelopmental Stabilization Unit - Dual Diagnosis Program (Intellectual Disability in combination with Mental Illness)
The Adult Neurodevelopmental Stabilization Unit (ANSU) is an acute care unit that provides services for persons with intellectual disability and acute mental illness that cannot...
Community Outreach Assessment Support and Treatment Team (COAST) - Dual Diagnosis Program (Intellectual Disability in combination with Mental Illness)
The community outreach assessment support and treatment team provides services for persons with both intellectual disability and also mental illness. These services include:
- A...
School Mental Health (SchoolsPlus)
The school mental health clinicians provide individual and group therapy, mental health and addictions education for school staff and consultation services. Clinicians are on...
Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic
The Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic (NSOSIC) belongs to a national network of OSI Clinics funded by Veterans Affairs Canada. The clinic provides mental health...
Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line
The Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line provides crisis intervention for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis or mental distress.
The...
Inpatient Mental Health Services
Inpatient mental health services are available for those who cannot be safely assessed, diagnosed and stabilized in the community.
First Nations Services
Mental Health clinicians work as part of the first nations health care team in several first nations communities. The Mental Health Clinician provides assessment, diagnosis and...
Crossroads Clubhouse
Crossroads Cape Breton is community organized to support people living with mental illness in reclaiming and enhancing their lives. People are referred to as “members” because...
Adult Community Mental Health and Addictions Services
Community Mental Health and Addictions includes a team of mental health and addictions professionals who provide services on an outpatient basis. The team provides assessment...
Child and Adolescent Services
Child and Adolescent Services/Child Youth and Family/Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinical Services provide mental health and addiction services to children and youth (under...
