Please help us support the thousands of people in our country who are experiencing trauma symptoms as a result of the pandemic. The majority of us are experiencing some degree of anxiety, panic and fear. Its no exaggeration to say these exceptional circumstances represent a national trauma.

A persons subjective experience of an event, and to what extent they believe their life, bodily integrity, or psychological well-being was threatened determines the extent of trauma. They may react with intense fear, horror, numbness, or helplessness. Reactions to trauma vary greatly, from mild reactions to a range of chronic, severe, confusing and debilitating symptoms.

For those personally impacted by the virus by becoming symptomatic, the fear of mortality, of becoming a statistic is very real. The experience of moderate to severe symptoms, or even mild symptoms with the fear of them advancing to becoming very serious, and possibly deadly will, for many, likely result in post-trauma symptoms.

NHS and other healthcare workers are, of course, on the front lines of the pandemic. They face something they have never seen before, a debilitating, contagious and deadly threat both to themselves as well as to those they care for. A huge amount of long-term support will be required and as the pandemic develops many healthcare workers will begin to experience intense post-trauma symptoms. A one size fits all approach to mental health will not be effective for those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and other traumatic disorders and symptoms.

Profound societal changes have elevated fear and anxiety levels for the general public, including those who never acquire the virus, leading to a range of trauma responses, already being reported. Many will lose jobs, income, livelihoods. Many people are facing such possibilities, without knowing when things will return to normal as well as experiencing daily fear of contracting this virus.

Not everyone who experiences a trauma, or even the exact same situation, will perceive or respond to it in the same way. Not everyone will experience post-trauma symptoms or go on to develop full blown PTSD. Many are already experiencing an acute stress disorder, reporting a range of minor PTSD symptoms. Some go on to naturally recover, but some are left with PTSD. It is very important this group is properly identified assessed and treated specifically in regard to traumatic disorders.

Were raising funds to provide a trauma assessment, awareness and wellness program designed to meet the unique and complex set of trauma disorder needs brought about by the pandemic. Your donation will help us provide:

Trauma Assessment Groups, delivered by trained, peer facilitators. Delivered online, groups will provide a safe space to help participants become aware of the effects of trauma and recognise its common symptoms. These include overwhelming body sensations, intrusive emotions and distorted thought patterns.

Participants will learn a range of assessment and self-assessment tools, symptom information, grounding and stabilisation techniques. This will include links to self-help groups, 12-step programs, spiritual and other resources and support services, many increasingly using interactive internet-based platforms.

We will support participants to access pathways in regard to further avenues of treatment and support within the NHS. For those experiencing traumatic symptoms and disorders its imperative they seek out specialist support in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions.