Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Online Support Group

“We don't heal in isolation, but in community.” ― S. Kelley Harrell

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced one or multiple events or situations that are shocking, scary, or dangerous. According to the American Psychiatric Association, PTSD affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults, and an estimated one in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime.

Signs and symptoms of PTSD often include:

  • Intrusive thoughts such as involuntary memories, nightmares, or flashbacks.

  • Avoidance of people, place, objects or activities that are associated with a previous traumatic event

  • Ongoing fear, horror, anger, sadness, guilt or shame

  • Negative changes in thinking and mood

  • Trouble sleeping, concentrating, and/or easily frightened

PTSD is often experienced by military personnel who have witnessed distributing events or have been in dangerous situations. However, PTSD could often develop in people who were abused as a child or have experienced the violent death of a close family member, partner, or a close friend. 

How Support Groups Can Help?

Support groups are safe spaces structured to allow participants to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies and information about symptoms and treatments. The discussions often are facilitated by an experienced leader or a medical professional. 

Mental health issues often cause a sense of shame in the sufferers. Support groups can allow us to make connections, providing tangible benefits to people experiencing mental health issues. 

Benefits of participating in support groups can include:

  • Reducing feelings of loneliness, isolation and stigma associated with the disorder

  • Getting practical advice or information about treatment options

  • Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue

  • Talking openly and honestly about your feelings

  • Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope

  • Learning about health, economic or social resources

Benefits of online support groups can include:

  • Faster time to get help, skipping appointment wait time

  • More frequent or flexible participation

  • A cost effective way to see a licensed mental health professional

  • A degree of privacy or anonymity comparing to local community support groups

  • Opportunities for people in areas with no face-to-face support groups

You are not alone. Herd is ready to support you.