
Understanding PTSD: Who It Affects, Causes, and Treatments
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. In Australia, PTSD is a significant public health concern, affecting individuals across various demographics.
This condition can cause intense distress, interfere with daily functioning, and require long-term management and support. This article explores the causes of PTSD, who it affects, treatments, and insights from experts in the field.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as natural disasters, combat, serious accidents, sexual assault, or violent personal assaults. People with PTSD experience a range of distressing symptoms, including:
- Flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event through intrusive memories or nightmares.
- Hyperarousal: Feeling constantly on edge, irritable, or easily startled.
- Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event, such as places, people, or activities.
- Negative Changes in Mood and Thinking: Persistent feelings of fear, guilt, shame, or detachment from others.
Who Does PTSD Affect in Australia?
Source: South Australia Emergency Services
PTSD can affect anyone, but certain groups are at higher risk due to their exposure to trauma. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and Beyond Blue, approximately 12% of Australians will experience PTSD in their lifetime, making it one of the most common mental health conditions in the country.
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Military Personnel and Veterans: PTSD is prevalent among Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and veterans due to exposure to combat situations. Research from the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) indicates that around 17-20% of veterans who have served in war zones are likely to experience PTSD at some point.
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First Responders: Emergency services personnel, such as police, paramedics, and firefighters, are at high risk due to frequent exposure to traumatic events. Studies indicate that up to 10% of first responders in Australia are diagnosed with PTSD, though the number may be higher as many cases go unreported​.
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Survivors of Natural Disasters: Australia’s vulnerability to bushfires, floods, and other natural disasters puts many Australians at risk of PTSD. A 2020 study found that 1 in 5 Australians living in regions affected by the Black Summer bushfires were likely to develop PTSD due to the trauma associated with the disaster​.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: Indigenous Australians are disproportionately affected by PTSD due to historical trauma, systemic violence, and continued socio-economic disadvantages. Indigenous communities face unique and chronic stressors that contribute to higher rates of PTSD​.
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Victims of Crime and Abuse: Individuals who have experienced sexual violence, physical assault, or abuse are also at significant risk for developing PTSD. According to Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), the long-term psychological impact of domestic violence, especially in women, often results in PTSD.
Causes of PTSD
PTSD develops in response to a traumatic event, but several factors contribute to its onset:
- Traumatic Event: Exposure to life-threatening events, such as military combat, sexual assault, severe accidents, or natural disasters, is a major cause of PTSD.
- Biological Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to PTSD. Research has shown that certain brain structures and chemicals involved in memory and stress regulation, like the amygdala and cortisol, function differently in people with PTSD​.
- Duration and Severity of Trauma: People who experience prolonged or severe trauma are more likely to develop PTSD. Repeated trauma, such as chronic abuse or ongoing exposure to violence, increases the likelihood of long-term psychological effects.
- Personal History: Individuals with a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, as well as those with a family history of PTSD, are at a higher risk of developing the disorder.
- Lack of Social Support: People who lack a strong social network or emotional support following a traumatic event are more likely to develop PTSD.
You are not alone
Source: RÂ U OK?
PTSD is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions in Australia.
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Prevalence: Around 1 in 13 Australians (approximately 1.5 million people) will experience PTSD in any given year. Over a lifetime, around 12% of Australians will suffer from the disorder​.
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Impact on Veterans: A study from the Australian Defence Force Mental Health Prevalence and Wellbeing Study (2010) showed that 8.3% of ADF personnel had been diagnosed with PTSD in the previous 12 months​.
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Suicide Risk: People with PTSD are at a significantly higher risk of suicide. In Australia, veterans and first responders with PTSD are particularly vulnerable, and suicide rates in these groups are higher than the general population. For example, a 2019 AIHW report revealed that one veteran dies by suicide every two weeks in Australia​.
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Mental Health Service Utilisation: Despite the prevalence of PTSD, many Australians do not seek treatment. A study by Phoenix Australia found that only half of those with PTSD sought professional help, with barriers including stigma, lack of access to mental health services, and underdiagnosis​.
Expert Insights
Professor David Forbes, director of Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, highlights the need for early intervention:
"PTSD is highly treatable, but early intervention is key. The longer someone lives with untreated PTSD, the more entrenched the symptoms become, making it harder to treat effectively. Providing trauma-informed care and support immediately after a traumatic event can prevent the development of chronic PTSD."
Dr. Simon Rosenbaum, from the University of New South Wales, also underscores the role of exercise in managing PTSD:
"Physical activity can be an effective adjunct to traditional therapies for PTSD. Regular exercise helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and regulate the body's stress response, all of which are disrupted in PTSD sufferers."
Treatment Options for PTSD
Effective treatments for PTSD are available and involve a combination of therapies:
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Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most common treatment for PTSD. It helps patients process traumatic memories and change negative thought patterns. Specific forms of CBT, such as Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), are designed specifically for PTSD treatment.
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Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a relatively new therapy that uses guided eye movements to help patients process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.
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Traditional Medication: Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), are often prescribed to manage the symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances.
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Lifestyle Changes: Physical exercise, mindfulness, and yoga have been shown to help people manage PTSD symptoms by reducing stress and improving emotional regulation.
Alternative Medicine for PTSD

Alternative medicine is increasingly being explored to complement traditional treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These therapies focus on holistic healing by addressing both the mind and body, helping individuals manage symptoms such as anxiety, hyperarousal, and insomnia.
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to restore balance in the body’s energy flow. Some research suggests that acupuncture may reduce PTSD symptoms, particularly anxiety, insomnia, and hyperarousal.
- How it helps: Studies show that acupuncture can stimulate the body’s production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. It may help reduce the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety that are common in PTSD​.
2. Meditation and Mindfulness
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and meditation practices like Transcendental Meditation have been used to manage PTSD symptoms by promoting relaxation and emotional regulation. Mindfulness encourages individuals to focus on the present moment, which can help them avoid dwelling on traumatic memories.
- How it helps: Meditation can reduce the activation of the brain’s stress response and improve emotional regulation. Regular mindfulness practice has been shown to reduce PTSD symptoms like hypervigilance, flashbacks, and anxiety​.
3. Yoga
Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve both mental and physical health. Yoga has been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD by helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and alleviate tension, often leading to an improved sense of control.
- How it helps: Yoga helps regulate the body’s autonomic nervous system, which can be disrupted by PTSD. Practices like trauma-sensitive yoga focus on creating a safe space, allowing participants to regain control over their physical and emotional responses.
4. Art and Music Therapy
Art therapy and music therapy are creative outlets that allow individuals to express emotions that may be difficult to put into words. These therapies can be particularly useful for individuals who struggle with verbalising traumatic experiences.
- How it helps: Engaging in creative expression can help individuals process trauma in a non-verbal way, reducing stress and fostering emotional healing. Art and music therapy can also improve emotional regulation and provide a sense of accomplishment.
5. Natural medicine
Some natural medicines have gained popularity as a potential treatment for anxiety, insomnia, and other PTSD symptoms. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that natural medicine may help regulate the brain’s stress response and reduce anxiety.
- How it may help: Natural medicine interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, memory, and stress.
Summary
PTSD is a prevalent and serious condition that affects millions of Australians, particularly veterans, first responders, and survivors of trauma. With early intervention, proper treatment, and social support, individuals with PTSD can recover and regain control over their lives.
As Australia continues to improve mental health awareness and services, reducing the stigma around PTSD and increasing access to treatment will be critical in supporting those who need it most.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, organisations like Beyond Blue, Phoenix Australia, and Lifeline Australia provide valuable resources and support.
Sources:
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), National Mental Health Report, 2020
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health
- Beyond Blue: Understanding PTSD in Australia
- Australian Defence Force Mental Health and Wellbeing Study