Understanding PTSD: National PTSD Awareness Month - Treatment & Recovery Insights
Published: 9 June
By Angela Chadwick, Trauma Psychologist – Wollongong & Online Across Australia
June is National PTSD Awareness Month. This period is dedicated to increasing public understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition that impacts millions of Australians each year. National PTSD Awareness Day is observed on June 27th, serving as a reminder to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and emphasize the importance of effective trauma therapy.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing traumatic events such as accidents, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, medical trauma, or childhood neglect. Understanding how PTSD forms and how it can be treated is crucial in supporting recovery.
Common PTSD Triggers: What You Need to Know
Trauma often shares three defining features:
Sudden or unexpected events
Feelings of helplessness or lack of control
Emotional overwhelm during the event
These characteristics can overwhelm the brain’s ability to process the trauma, leaving emotional, psychological, and physical scars that persist.
Why Don’t Everyone Develop PTSD After Trauma?
Not everyone exposed to trauma develops PTSD. The way we respond is influenced by various factors:
Key Risk Factors for PTSD:
Severity & Duration of the traumatic event
Age at the time of trauma
Genetic predisposition and family mental health history
Pre-existing mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression)
Lack of social or emotional support
Conversely, protective factors, like early intervention and emotional expression, can significantly reduce the likelihood of PTSD.
Recognising PTSD Symptoms: When to Seek Help
Psychological & Emotional Symptoms:
Intrusive memories or flashbacks
Nightmares and sleep disturbances
Emotional numbing or avoidance of triggers
Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or detachment
Physical Symptoms:
Hypervigilance (feeling constantly "on edge")
Sudden irritability or an exaggerated startle response
Physical symptoms: nausea, trembling, sweating, racing heart
If symptoms last longer than a month and impact daily life, professional help may be needed.
Is PTSD Treatable? Yes, Recovery is Possible!
PTSD treatment is effective, and recovery is achievable with the right support. Trauma-focused therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) have shown great success in addressing PTSD.
EMDR Therapy for PTSD:
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or taps) to help the brain process traumatic memories, making them less emotionally intense. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR allows individuals to process trauma without needing to recount every detail.
EMDR is ideal for individuals who:
Find it difficult to talk about trauma
Have tried traditional therapy without success
Struggle with dissociation or physical trauma symptoms
Prefer a more structured and regulated healing approach
Online & In-Person PTSD Therapy: Wollongong & Nationwide Support
Angela Chadwick Psychology offers EMDR therapy in Wollongong and online therapy across Australia. We specialise in treating:
PTSD
Childhood trauma
Complex trauma
Anxiety and somatic trauma symptoms
Our approach is trauma-informed, personalised, and focused on creating a safe, supportive space for healing.
Am I a Good Candidate for PTSD Therapy?
Ideal candidates for EMDR therapy are individuals who are:
Committed to the therapy process and healing
Able to attend sessions regularly
Seeking a non-judgmental, supportive environment
We accept Mental Health Care Plans (Medicare rebates available) and also welcome self-referred clients.
You Are Not Alone: PTSD Recovery Starts Here
Living with PTSD can be isolating, but it’s important to remember that recovery is possible. Trauma is not a life sentence—with the right therapeutic support, healing is achievable.
Whether you need PTSD therapy in Wollongong, the Illawarra region, or online therapy across Australia, Angela Chadwick Psychology is here to guide you on your journey.
Contact Angela Chadwick Psychology Today
Ready to start your healing journey? Contact us now to schedule an EMDR session or learn more about how EMDR therapy can help you recover from PTSD and trauma. Book a consultation today!