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The Invictus Games are Open! NAViGO take a closer look at PTSD

by Steve Beasant on 13 September, 2014

It is day 2 of The Invictus Games, a celebration of the fighting spirit of the wounded, injured and sick service personnel through sporting achievement. The games tell the story of servicemen and women who, after facing real challenges, are overcoming fear and trauma and redefining their limits. Over four days 13 countries and over 400 competitors will compete in nine adaptive sports.

It is not only the physical disabilities and injuries that service personnel fight to conquer. Many of those competing in The Invictus Games are facing a mental health illness, brought on either by an injury or through the challenges of being in military service.

Paul Wilson is a British army veteran competing in the games. Paul suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a result of his time spent serving in Afghanistan. He struggles with flashbacks and nightmares and has found sport to be an amazing aid to his recovery by building his confidence and offering a new purpose to focus on.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful or distressing event. Although the first cases that were recorded during the First World War were of men suffering from shell shock from the stressful experience of life in the trenches, PTSD can be caused be a number of traumatic events such as serious road accidents, personal assault, or severe neglect. It is estimated to effect around 1 in every 3 people who experience an event such as these, and the effects of PTSD can be felt weeks, months or years after. 

Symptoms can include:

  • Re-experiencing: This is involuntary re-living of the traumatic event which comes in forms of nightmares, flashbacks or repetitive and distressing images or sensations.
  • Avoidance and emotional numbing: Some may deal with emotions by attempting not to feel any emotions at all which can lead to feeling isolated and withdrawn.
  • Feeling on ‘edge’: An inability to relax can lead to problems such as insomnia, irritability, angry outbursts and difficulties with concentrating.
  • PTSD can also lead to depression. 

If would like more information on PTSD, please contact our Open Minds Team.

7-9 Osbourne Street, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 1EY
Tel: +44 (0)1472 625100
Open Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm

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