Trauma and PTSD

Being exposed to distressing or life-threatening events can lead to emotional and psychological distress. Among those who experience such Trauma and PTSD in the line of duty are defence personnel, emergency staff and first responders. These experiences can have profound effects on your mental health, wellbeing and daily functioning.

Types of Trauma and PTSD

  • Critical incident trauma: immediate psychological distress following exposure to life-threatening events, such as accidents, violence or natural disasters
  • Occupational stress: chronic stress resulting from the demands and pressures of the job, including long hours, high-risk situations and frequent exposure to human suffering
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): develops after exposure to a traumatic event and may include symptoms such as intrusive memories, avoidance behaviours, hypervigilance, and mood disturbances commonly experienced by emergency responders and defence personnel
  • Acute trauma: results from a single, overwhelming event such as an accident, natural disaster or violent attack
  • Chronic trauma: stems from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events, such as ongoing abuse, domestic violence or living in a war zone, and
  • Complex trauma: arises from exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive and interpersonal nature, leading to severe emotional and psychological consequences.

Get help for Trauma and PTSD.

Trauma and PTSD affects many people. Seeking help to understand the causes and symptoms can enhance your recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you manage the impact of Trauma and PTSD and improve your quality of life.

Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD

  • Difficulty concentrating and memory issues
  • Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks or memories related to traumatic incidents
  • Hyperarousal, including heightened startle response and hypervigilance
  • Emotional numbness, detachment from others and social withdrawal
  • Avoidance of reminders or situations associated with the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood, such as irritability or anger
  • Intense fear, anxiety, depression and mood swings
  • Fatigue, headaches or gastrointestinal issues, and
  • Difficulty concentrating or sleeping.


Causes and risk factors

Trauma can result from various incidents, including:

  • Personal experiences such as accidents, assaults, significant loss, cumulative stress and expectation to perform under extreme pressure
  • Environmental factors, including natural disasters, war or community violence, and
  • Interpersonal factors like abuse, neglect or dysfunctional relationships.

Risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing trauma-related symptoms include:

  • Prior traumatic experiences
  • Lack of social support
  • Pre-existing mental health conditions, and
  • Severity of the traumatic event.

How can Avive help?

Avive provides integrated mental health care designed for trauma and PTSD – compassionate, trauma-informed and clinically led.

  • Comprehensive assessment – psychiatric review, medication reconciliation and deprescribing plans, physical and cognitive screening, and risk assessment
  • Foundations inpatient care – usually a 21-day stay to stabilise mood, optimise medications, improve sleep and energy, and build practical coping skills
  • Day programs – 8–12 weeks, small-group therapy one half-day per week to consolidate skills and maintain progress after discharge
  • Assisted therapies – where clinically appropriate, we consider additional therapies within our evidence-informed framework and after specialist review
  • Cloud Clinic telehealth – psychiatry and psychology appointments for those who prefer or require remote care, including regional and carer-constrained patients
  • Family and carer involvement – education and care planning sessions to support recovery at home, with consent.


Admissions, costs and referrals

  • Private health insurance – if you hold hospital cover, your fund may cover most inpatient costs.
  • Mental Health Waiver – for eligible patients upgrading cover, a once-in-a-lifetime psychiatric waiting period waiver may apply.
  • DVA – we welcome DVA Gold/White Card holders.
  • Self-funding – options are available.


Our team can check eligibility and guide you through next steps. Contact us on 1800 284 830 or by emailing help@avivehealth.com.au

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