Join the 22 Push Up Challenge for PTSD Awareness

PTSD awareness is at the heart of this 22 day push up challenge and the need to support people who may be suffering in silence.

Social media challenges come and go, but some strike a nerve for the right reasons. One that continues to resurface is the “22 push-ups for 22 days” PTSD awareness challenge—a simple daily action meant to spark conversations about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), support services, and mental wellbeing.

Awareness matters. It can reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and remind people that trauma responses are more common than many realise. At the same time, awareness isn’t the same as treatment—and PTSD deserves accurate, evidence-based information and support.

This updated article explains what PTSD is, signs it may be time to seek help, what treatments are strongly supported by research, and how supportive approaches (including hypnotherapy and NLP) may fit as part of a broader wellbeing plan.

Why awareness challenges can help (and what they can’t do)

Awareness campaigns and challenges can be genuinely useful because they:

• Make it easier to start conversations about trauma and mental health
• Encourage people to check in with themselves and others
• Reduce stigma by showing that support-seeking is normal
• Raise visibility for services and community supports

But it’s also important to be clear: doing a challenge is not a treatment for PTSD, and it won’t replace tailored care from qualified health professionals.

When is it time to seek help?

Consider reaching out for professional support if symptoms:

• Persist beyond a few weeks and aren’t improving
• Interfere with work, relationships, parenting, or daily functioning
• Lead to increased substance use, risk-taking, or withdrawal
• Include panic symptoms, severe sleep disruption, or frequent nightmares

If there’s immediate risk

If you or someone else is in danger right now, call 000.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or at risk of self-harm, you can contact Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7) for crisis support.

Evidence-based treatments for PTSD

PTSD is treatable, and many people improve significantly with the right support. Major clinical guidelines commonly recommend trauma-focused psychological therapies as first-line options.

Approaches with strong evidence include:

• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) (including specific trauma-focused variants)
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

In some situations, medication may be considered as part of a care plan—typically discussed with a GP or psychiatrist—particularly when symptoms are severe or when there are co-occurring conditions.

The most appropriate option depends on the person, their history, safety considerations, and access to care. A GP can be a practical first step in Australia, including for referrals and planning.

Where do hypnotherapy and NLP fit?

At Make Changes NLP & Hypnotherapy, we take a careful, evidence-informed approach.

It’s important to state clearly: hypnotherapy and NLP should not be presented as quick cures for PTSD, and they are not replacements for trauma-focused treatments recommended in clinical guidelines.

That said, some people explore hypnotherapy and NLP as supportive approaches for goals that can sit alongside appropriate mental health care, such as:

• Stress management and relaxation skills
• Improving sleep routines and reducing sleep-related anxiety
• Building coping strategies and emotional regulation skills
• Confidence, motivation, and lifestyle change support

If PTSD is suspected or diagnosed, a responsible approach is to consider hypnotherapy/NLP as complementary, ideally alongside (or after) assessment and treatment with suitably qualified mental health professionals.

If you’re unsure what level of support is appropriate, we encourage starting with a GP or mental health clinician—and we’re also happy to discuss how our wellbeing-focused services may (or may not) fit your situation.

Supporting someone with PTSD: practical, non-judgemental ways to help

If someone opens up to you about trauma or PTSD symptoms, your response can make a difference.

Helpful actions:

• Listen without interrogating: you don’t need the details to be supportive
• Say something simple and steady, like: “That sounds really tough. I’m glad you told me.”
• Offer practical help: finding a GP, booking an appointment, transport, childcare
• Respect their pace: pressure to “talk about it” can backfire
• Encourage professional support, especially if symptoms are persistent or escalating

Avoid:

• Minimising (“Just try not to think about it”)
• Forcing exposure to triggers
• Suggesting it’s a sign of weakness

Australian PTSD support and resources

If you’re in Australia, these services can be a good place to start:

• Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 — https://www.lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — https://www.beyondblue.org.au
• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling: 1800 011 046 — https://www.openarms.gov.au
• Head to Health (mental health resources and local services): https://www.headtohealth.gov.au
• Healthdirect (trusted health information): https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

How Make Changes can support wellbeing (in Melbourne or online)

Make Changes NLP & Hypnotherapy works with people in Melbourne and Australia-wide online, supporting practical lifestyle and wellbeing goals such as:

• stress management strategies
• better sleep habits
• building confidence and healthier routines
• workplace wellbeing support (employee wellbeing programs)

If trauma or PTSD is part of your experience, we’ll always encourage a safe, appropriate pathway, which may include referral to (or collaboration with) other health professionals.

FAQ

Is PTSD lifelong?

Not necessarily. Some people experience significant improvement with appropriate, evidence-based support. The right approach depends on the individual, their circumstances, and the type and timing of care.

Can hypnotherapy cure PTSD?

It isn’t accurate or responsible to claim a cure. Hypnotherapy may be useful for related goals (such as stress reduction, sleep support, and coping skills) and can be considered as a complementary approach, but PTSD treatment is typically guided by trauma-focused therapies recommended in clinical guidelines.

What’s a good first step if I think I have PTSD?

A practical first step in Australia is to speak with your GP, who can assess symptoms, discuss options, and provide referrals. If you’re in distress or at risk, contact a crisis line (e.g., Lifeline) or call 000.

Can I access support online?

Yes. Many mental health services and supportive wellbeing services are available via telehealth in Australia. Suitability depends on safety, symptom severity, and personal preference.

Want to talk through your options?

If you’d like to discuss your situation and what support might be appropriate, you can contact Make Changes NLP & Hypnotherapy:

• Location: Sunshine Primary Health, 111 Durham Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020
• Email: info@makechanges.com.au
• Phone: 1800 760 249

If you need urgent support, please contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or call 000 in an emergency.

References (selected)

• World Health Organization (WHO). Post traumatic stress disorder / mental health resources and guidance. https://www.who.int
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Center for PTSD. PTSD Treatments (Overview, trauma-focused psychotherapies). https://www.ptsd.va.gov
• Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling (Australia). https://www.openarms.gov.au
• Beyond Blue (Australia). https://www.beyondblue.org.au
• Head to Health (Australian Government). https://www.headtohealth.gov.au