Trauma & PTSD
Support Tailored to You
Understanding Trauma & PTSD
Trauma and PTSD can have a profound impact on your life, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our team of compassionate mental health professionals in Singapore offers expert treatment and support for individuals struggling with trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the associated stress. We provide personalised care to help you manage symptoms, develop coping mechanisms, and regain a sense of control and well-being.
Trauma refers to a distressing event or situation that overwhelms your ability to cope and shatters your sense of security. PTSD is a specific anxiety disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While anyone can experience trauma, not everyone develops PTSD. Certain individuals may be more susceptible to developing PTSD.
Signs and
Symptoms
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Intrusive thoughts or memories: Flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event.
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Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, or activities that trigger memories of the trauma.
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Negative changes in mood or thinking: Feeling detached, numb, or hopeless; difficulty experiencing positive emotions; negative thoughts about oneself or the world.
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Hyperarousal: Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, or having difficulty sleeping; irritability or outbursts of anger.
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Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomach-aches, muscle tension, or fatigue.
Factors That Increase Risk
of Trauma & PTSD
Some common causes of trauma include:
- Combat or military experiences
- Physical or sexual assault
- Natural disasters
- Serious accidents
- Childhood abuse
- Domestic violence
- Witnessing violence
- Sudden loss of a loved one
TREATMENT PROCESS
The Path to Recovery
Psychotherapy
Trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI) or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), can help you process traumatic memories, challenge negative thoughts, and develop healthy coping skills. For more information on each of these modalities.
Trauma-Informed Therapies
These approaches, such as Somatic Experiencing or Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, focus on the mind-body connection and help release trapped trauma responses that manifest psychologically.
Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
It can be helpful in managing specific symptoms like depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. While medication is not always necessary, it can be an effective tool in managing some symptoms of trauma and PTSD while the individual is undergoing talk therapy concurrently. Our psychiatrists will carefully assess your individual needs and recommend medication if appropriate.
FAQ
Got Questions? We’re here to help
How is PTSD diagnosed in Singapore?
A qualified mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment, including a detailed interview and review of your symptoms, to determine if you meet the criteria for PTSD.
What is the difference between CBT/CPT/TF-CBT and other trauma treatment approaches like EMDR, MEMI or Somatic Experiencing?
CBT is what is known as a “top-down” approach as it relies on the individual narrating the traumatic event and working with cognitions and the “thinking brain” to process the traumatic memory. This works well with individuals who have sufficient verbal abilities and cognitive functioning. For developmental trauma (i.e., traumatic events that took place early in childhood or are more latent) or for individuals who are not as verbally expressive, “bottom-up” approaches like EMDR, MEMI or SE target the autonomic nervous system and physiological responses directly for healing, without the need to go into the details of the traumatic event.
How long does PTSD treatment take?
The duration of treatment varies depending on the individual and the severity of symptoms. However, with consistent therapy and support, many individuals experience significant improvement.
Can trauma lead to PTSD?
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. However, the severity and nature of the trauma, as well as individual factors (e.g. personality, history of adverse childhood experiences, etc), can influence the likelihood of developing PTSD.
How does Promises Singapore address PTSD and trauma?
Promises Singapore offers specialised treatment for PTSD and trauma using a range of evidence-based therapies like CBT and EMDR, alongside mindfulness and somatic approaches, to help individuals heal and regain control of their lives.