Ahead of Armistice Day, St Andrew’s launches new #LetsTalkAbout video focussing on PTSD

St Andrew’s is proud to share the fourth video in the charity's #LetsTalkAbout campaign which aims to shine a light on some of the most misunderstood mental health conditions.

The campaign is urging people to take their understanding of mental health beyond depression and anxiety and talk more frankly and openly about complex mental health problems. With Armistice Day rapidly approaching, the next video in the series aims to encourage people - including those who have experienced trauma in combat - to reach out for support.

The new short film, #LetsTalkAbout 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder' features St Andrew's Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Pete McAllister. He explains what PTSD is and why people should come forward for support and treatment as soon as possible.

Dr McAllister is explained:

"Myths are dangerous, as they stop people coming forward to get the help they need."

"I worked with a particular patient many years ago who had had symptoms for 20 years. He'd been a solider during the troubles in Northern Ireland, and he'd been exposed to a bomb explosion where a number of his friends had died, and he was covered in bits of body. He had nightly nightmares for 20 years, until he came to see me and we started some treatment together. In a matter of weeks, all his symptoms had gone away. A man who had been tormented by his trauma for over two decades I saw become thoroughly well."

The symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, sleep disturbances, difficulty relaxing, bad dreams and nightmares. All are symptoms of PTSD as your brain starts to make sense of the trauma you have experienced.

There are effective treatments available, you just need to come forward for help.

Dr Pete McAllister has some top tips for people who are supporting someone with PTSD:

1. Treat them like a normal person, the husband/wife/friend you always knew. Remember, PTSD can happen to anyone.

2. Listen!

3. Encourage them to get the appropriate help, and recognise that they need support.

The #LetsTalkAbout PTSD film is the fourth in the series by St Andrew's Healthcare, with other films focussing on Borderline Personality Disorder, Schizophrenia and Dementia.

Follow the campaign across social and share our content on by using #LetsTalkAbout, and together we can break the stigma.