If you think you have PTSD or CPTSD it is important to seek help as you may benefit from support and treatment. The best person to consult initially is usually your general practitioner. Your GP will be able to ask you questions to find out if you are likely to benefit from treatment and/or other forms of help and support. Your GP will then be able to offer you treatment, refer you or signpost you according to your needs and what you would like to do as the next step.
If you are already in contact with services, a discussion with someone already involved in your care is often a good first step.
What should I do if I am concerned someone I know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD or CPTSD?
This will often depend on how well you know the person and the nature of your relationship. If you can, it is usually helpful to raise your concerns in a sympathetic and supportive manner. If you feel able to discuss your concerns more fully with the person, it is often helpful to do this with the support of information that demonstrates why you are concerned, for example a leaflet about PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PDF
Because there are effective treatments for PTSD and CPTSD any person with these conditions should seek help. The best person for them to consult initially is usually their general practitioner who will be able to conduct an assessment and advise on possible next steps. It is not possible to force someone to see their GP and sometimes it takes a bit of time before someone feels ready to take the step of seeing their GP. This is often more likely to happen with the support and gentle encouragement of those around them.
If the person is already in contact with services, a discussion with someone already involved in their care is often a good first step.