Stop, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Now, try to answer the following question: Have you been experiencing nightmares, sleep disturbances, intrusive thoughts, or unusual tension lately? If so, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This might include a serious accident, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, or any event that felt life-threatening or deeply distressing.
Not everyone who goes through trauma will develop PTSD, but for those who do, the symptoms can be long-lasting and disruptive to daily life. The good news is that there are ways to cope with it, both emotionally and financially.
What PTSD Feels Like, and How to Recognise It
First, ask yourself: Have I experienced a traumatic event?
If yes, continue below.
Next, you will read a series of statements related to aspects of post-traumatic stress. Reflect on how often, in the past month, you have felt this way. Write your answers on a piece of paper, assigning the following score to each response:
0 – Never
1 – Rarely
2 – Sometimes
3 – Often
4 – Almost always
Let’s begin the assessment.
Over the past month, how often have you experienced the following?
Reliving the trauma
- I have unwanted memories or flashbacks of the event.
B. I have nightmares related to the trauma.
C. I feel intense distress when reminded of the trauma.
D. I experience physical symptoms (like sweating or a racing heart) when reminded of the trauma.
Avoidance
- I avoid thinking or talking about what happened.
B. I avoid people, places, or situations that remind me of it.
Negative Changes in Thoughts and Mood
- I feel emotionally numb or disconnected from others.
B. I struggle to feel joy or other positive emotions.
C. I feel guilt, shame, or blame myself for what happened.
D. I have persistent negative thoughts about myself, others, or the world.
Hyperarousal (Feeling on edge)
- I’m easily startled or feel constantly alert.
B. I have trouble falling or staying asleep.
C. I feel irritable or have frequent outbursts.
D. I find it hard to concentrate or stay focused.
Scoring
Add up your points:
- 0–13: Low likelihood of PTSD
- 14–27: Some symptoms present.
- 28–42: Moderate symptoms.
- 43–56: High likelihood of PTSD.
Reminder: This quiz is not a diagnosis, but if your responses suggest moderate to high symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek help. PTSD is treatable, and you don’t have to face it alone.
The Emotional and Financial Toll of PTSD
PTSD can have a deep emotional impact that touches every part of someone’s life. Many people experience ongoing anxiety or depression, often feeling overwhelmed by everyday situations. This can lead to serious difficulties in maintaining relationships, as irritability, avoidance, and emotional distance put strain on partners, friends, and family.
For some, the trauma also brings feelings of guilt or shame, particularly if they blame themselves for what happened. Others may experience anger and mood swings that make social interaction harder. In more severe cases, PTSD can lead to substance misuse or even suicidal thoughts.
The financial effects can be just as serious. Many people struggle to keep up with work or may be unable to work at all, especially if their job environment is high-stress or involves triggers. Concentration and focus can be severely affected, which makes it harder to hold down stable employment or progress in a career.
Medical expenses can also build up. Therapy, medication, and ongoing support often come at a cost, especially if not fully covered by the NHS or insurance.
There are cases where delays in benefits or compensation claims increase financial stress even more. For some, particularly those without a strong support system, PTSD can lead to housing insecurity or homelessness. Family members and carers are often affected too, as they may need to reduce their working hours or take on additional responsibilities.
How Can Compensation Help?
Compensation provides practical support by covering the cost of therapy, counselling, medication, and other treatments that are not always fully accessible. It can also make up for lost income if someone has had to take time off work, change careers, or leave their job because of their symptoms.
Moreover, a mental health compensation payout is a formal recognition of the harm that was caused. It acknowledges the seriousness of the condition and the fact that support is essential. For many people, receiving redress is a practical lifeline and an important part of feeling heard and moving forward.
That’s why many people turn to specialised solicitors. These professionals understand the complexities of mental health claims and know how to build a strong case based on medical evidence, expert opinions, and the long-term impact on daily life. A good solicitor will also handle the process with sensitivity, recognising how difficult it can be to revisit traumatic experiences.
Many solicitors work on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis. If the claim is unsuccessful, there’s nothing to pay, which removes a major barrier for those already dealing with the emotional and financial weight of PTSD.
Mental health compensation payouts aren’t always straightforward, and proving the connection between an event and PTSD can take time. Specialist legal support increases the chances of a successful outcome, helping individuals access the redress they’re entitled to without adding unnecessary stress. With the right guidance, it becomes easier to focus on recovery while someone experienced handles the legal side.
A Path to Recovery Through Recognition and Support
PTSD shapes the way a person moves through the world, influencing how they think, feel, and connect with others. With the right support, healing becomes possible. A mental health compensation payout provides the resources needed for treatment, stability, and a sense of recognition. It allows people to access help, regain control, and move towards a life defined by renewed purpose.