PTSD
PTSD Counselling for Men
Countless men experience traumatic events in their line of work, in their personal life, or simply by chance, resulting in an average of 4-6% of men struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives.
Although PTSD is often associated with soldiers, it’s an anxiety disorder that can affect anyone, triggered by exposure to a traumatic event like military combat, personal assault, natural disasters, or severe accidents.
While some recover naturally, many men grapple silently with the lingering effects of trauma, often due to societal expectations or lack of support.
At Blokes Psychology, we specialise in PTSD counselling for men, providing targeted support to help men process their experiences and reclaim control over their lives. From managing distressing memories to learning coping mechanisms, we offer holistic therapy tailored to men’s needs, fostering a safe space to discuss, understand, and manage symptoms.
Symptoms of PTSD
Appetite fluctuations (Physical)
Excessive consumption of drugs or alcohol (Physcial)
Feeling of tension or agitation (Physcial)
Stress and anxiety (Emotional)
Anger (Emotional)
A sense of emotional numbness
Flashbacks of the traumatic event (Cognitive)
A dip in self-esteem (Cognitive)
Definition & Causes of PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that occurs after experiencing or being exposed to traumatic events. As stated in the latest diagnostic criteria, the condition is triggered by exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violation.
Exposure, however, can happen through any of the scenarios in the following dropdowns.
Everyone experiences stress following a difficult time, but PTSD from a traumatic event is different due to its intensity and persistence. While most people recover from the initial shock, those with PTSD continue to relive the trauma months or years later, affecting mental health, physical well-being, relationships, and work performance.
Unfortunately, there is a misconception that ‘real men don’t get PTSD’, stemming from outdated stereotypes. In truth, PTSD is a neurological response to trauma, and anyone can be affected. Another fallacy is that only military personnel experience PTSD; while veterans often face PTSD, civilians exposed to accidents, assault, or other traumatic events are equally susceptible.
At Blokes Psychology, our men’s PTSD therapy & counselling services guide men through this complex process, helping them distinguish between normal stress responses and PTSD.
Direct Experience
The individual personally goes through a traumatic event, such as an assault, accident, or natural disaster.
Witnessing Trauma
The person witnesses the traumatic event occurring to someone else in real time, which can be just as distressing as experiencing it firsthand.
Learning About a Close Person’s Trauma
PTSD can develop upon learning that a close family member or friend has experienced a traumatic event. This is especially true if the trauma involves violent or accidental death.
Repeated Exposure to Trauma Details
Those in high-stress professions, like first responders or military personnel, may develop PTSD through repeated or extreme exposure to the details of traumatic events. This must be first-hand exposure—not through media, images, or film unless work-related.
How PTSD Symptoms Manifest Differently in Men
Men’s PTSD symptoms may often manifest in ways that align with societal expectations around “toughness” or self-reliance. For example, rather than expressing sadness or anxiety, many men might exhibit anger, irritability, or emotional detachment. Likewise, the tendency toward risk-taking or substance use is sometimes used as a coping mechanism, attempting to regain a sense of control or numb difficult emotions. These responses can not only worsen PTSD but also strain relationships, disrupt work-life balance, and diminish overall quality of life.
Recognising these distinct manifestations is crucial for male PTSD counselling services. At Blokes Psychology, our psychologists approach male PTSD treatment with an understanding of these unique symptoms and the social challenges that men face. We offer a supportive, stigma-free environment to help men effectively process their experiences and work toward lasting recovery.
Why PTSD Occurs
PTSD stems from changes in two key areas of the brain: the amygdala and the hippocampus. The amygdala, which is responsible for detecting threats and processing fear, becomes hyperactive in people with PTSD, keeping them on high alert and frequently triggering a “fight-or-flight” response, even in safe situations. Meanwhile, the hippocampus, a region critical for memory and distinguishing between past and present experiences, often becomes smaller due to trauma. This shrinkage can lead to difficulties in processing memories, causing people to re-experience traumatic events as if they are happening in real time. These neurobiological changes make it challenging for those with PTSD to regulate fear and emotions, contributing to symptoms like flashbacks, heightened anxiety, and emotional numbness.
While anyone exposed to trauma can develop PTSD, certain situations are more commonly linked to PTSD in men, including:
- Military Combat: Veterans often experience PTSD due to repeated exposure to life-threatening situations and intense stress in combat zones.
- Workplace Accidents: Men in high-risk professions (e.g., construction, law enforcement) may face severe injuries or witness distressing events.
- Natural Disasters: Experiences like floods, fires, or earthquakes can lead to PTSD, especially if survival or witnessing destruction is intense.
- Physical or Sexual Assault: Assault can cause severe psychological trauma, compounded by the stigma men may face in admitting vulnerability.
- Witnessing Violence: Being present during violent incidents, even if not directly involved, can create lasting traumatic effects.
Certain risk factors can make men more prone to developing PTSD after traumatic events, including:
- Previous Trauma Exposure: A history of past trauma heightens sensitivity to future traumatic events, increasing the likelihood of PTSD.
- Lack of Social Support: Men often face societal pressure to suppress emotions, leading to isolation and a reduced likelihood of seeking support, which can prolong or intensify PTSD symptoms.
- Substance Abuse: Many men turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with trauma, but substance use can worsen PTSD symptoms and make recovery harder.
- Family History of Mental Health Issues: A genetic predisposition to mental health disorders can increase the risk of PTSD after trauma.
Men often face societal expectations around masculinity, with ideals like emotional strength and self-reliance viewed as norms. These expectations can discourage men from seeking help or expressing vulnerability, making PTSD symptoms harder to recognise and address. As a result, many men may downplay or hide their trauma, delaying necessary treatment and potentially worsening symptoms over time.
At Blokes Psychology, our male PTSD counselling services are tailored to address these unique factors. We have male psychologists for PTSD on hand to provide men with a supportive environment to openly discuss their experiences, acknowledging the impact of trauma while challenging stigmas around mental health. This approach empowers men to recognise their symptoms, understand the effects of trauma on their brains, and seek practical, personalised treatment paths that help them regain control over their lives.
Types of PTSD
There are several types of PTSD, each with distinct symptoms and timelines. Understanding these differences allows us to provide customised men's PTSD therapy.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
- Symptoms of ASD appear within one month after a traumatic event and usually last up to four weeks.
- Common among those experiencing recent trauma, like workplace accidents or assaults.
- Early intervention is critical to prevent ASD from developing into PTSD.
Chronic PTSD
- PTSD persisting beyond three months, significantly impacting relationships, career, and daily life.
- Often seen in veterans, first responders, or individuals exposed to prolonged trauma.
- Chronic PTSD requires long-term treatment to address both emotional and physical symptoms effectively.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
- C-PTSD results from repeated, prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse or domestic violence.
- C-PTSD includes symptoms beyond typical PTSD, like persistent feelings of shame or emotional numbness.
- Treatment often requires a holistic approach, addressing deep-rooted emotional challenges.
Delayed-Onset PTSD
- This type of PTSD surfaces months or even years after the initial trauma.
- Men may initially suppress trauma, making it difficult to link symptoms back to the original event.
- The delay complicates diagnosis, but our men's PTSD counsellors help men recognise and address the underlying trauma.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD manifests through various symptoms broadly grouped into physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural categories. For men, these symptoms may often look or feel different than they do in women due to social expectations, coping mechanisms, and personal responsibilities.
Recognising these unique expressions is essential for effective male PTSD therapy and providing targeted support.
Physical Symptoms
- Sleep Disturbances: Many men with PTSD experience insomnia or frequent nightmares, leading to chronic fatigue and affecting daily productivity.
- Heightened Startle Response: Men with PTSD may react strongly to unexpected noises or movements, creating a sense of hypervigilance.
- Physical Tension or Chronic Pain: PTSD-related stress often translates into physical discomfort, like muscle tension, headaches, or unexplained chronic pain.
- Changes in Appetite or Weight: Men may experience fluctuating appetites, leading to noticeable weight changes, whether through stress-eating or lack of appetite.
Physical symptoms can directly impact a man’s work performance and interactions with family or friends, creating stress and frustration.
Emotional Symptoms
- Anger and Irritability: Many men struggle with anger and irritability, often responding with outbursts or frustration toward others.
- Emotional Numbness: Some men experience a feeling of emotional disconnection, finding it challenging to connect with loved ones or enjoy life’s usual pleasures.
- Guilt or Shame: Men may feel guilt or self-blame about the trauma, particularly if it involved situations perceived as “weak” or “unmanly.”
- Depression: Feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness can arise, making it difficult to engage in work or social activities.
Emotional upheaval can lead men to withdraw or become distant, impacting relationships with partners, children, or friends and potentially creating a barrier to seeking help
Cognitive Symptoms
- Intrusive Thoughts or Memories: Men may experience flashbacks or recurring, distressing memories of the trauma, disrupting concentration and leading to avoidance.
- Difficulty Concentrating: Many men find it hard to focus on tasks at work or home, impacting productivity and increasing frustration.
- Memory Problems: PTSD can lead to memory issues, particularly around details of the trauma or everyday information, adding to emotional strain.
- Negative Beliefs About Self or Others: Men may develop a negative view of themselves or the world, feeling they cannot trust others or are somehow “broken.”
Cognitive symptoms may impact a man’s confidence and sense of self, often leading to performance issues at work or increasing isolation from friends and family.
Behavioural Symptoms
- Avoidance of Trauma Reminders: Men may avoid people, places, or activities associated with the trauma, limiting their daily activities and social interactions.
- Risky or Self-Destructive Behaviour: Engaging in high-risk activities or impulsive behaviours, like reckless driving, is common to cope or feel in control.
- Social Isolation: Men with PTSD may withdraw socially, choosing to isolate rather than risk feeling vulnerable around others.
- Substance Abuse: Many men turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to numb their emotions or manage stress, though this often worsens symptoms over time.
These behaviours can create additional barriers to healing, as men often hesitate to seek help due to stigma or fear of judgement. In turn, this can worsen symptoms, further impacting work, family, and social life.
Treatments for PTSD
Each man’s experience with PTSD is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy that can easily overcome these symptoms.
At Blokes Psychology, our men's PTSD counselling is designed to provide a range of evidence-based, individualised solutions to help men overcome trauma in ways that align with their personal needs, goals, and comfort levels.
From Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to stress management, our approach involves working closely with each client to identify what’s most effective for them, considering factors like their personal history, specific symptoms, and lifestyle. Whether it’s through therapies that help reframe traumatic memories, techniques to reduce anxiety and avoidance, or strategies to restore a sense of control and confidence, our team is dedicated to helping men find practical, manageable paths to healing.
Men’s PTSD counselling, in particular, can be transformative for those dealing with this disorder, helping to:
- Reclaiming Control: Counselling helps men understand and manage their responses to trauma.
- Improving Relationships: Addressing symptoms like anger and emotional numbness can help rebuild family connections.
- Addressing Co-Occurring Challenges: Many men also face issues like substance abuse, which counselling can help address.
Speak with Male Psychologists for PTSD Today
At Blokes Psychology, we don’t just treat symptoms; we support men in rebuilding their lives by providing tools that encourage long-term resilience and well-being. By focusing on creating a safe, understanding environment, each men’s PTSD counsellor works to help each client explore and adopt coping strategies that genuinely resonate with their unique experiences. Our goal is to empower men to take one step at a time toward recovery, equipping them with skills and support that make a lasting difference.
Our male psychologists are equipped to assist you in managing the symptoms of PTSD, helping minimise their interference in your life.
If you suspect you might be grappling with PTSD or seek assistance to manage its effects, please contact us.