How to Support Someone with PTSD
What is PTSD?
For those of us with a history of trauma, we know our experiences can profoundly shape how we perceive the world. Individuals living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) often face significant challenges in various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and emotional connections. PTSD arises from terrifying or life-threatening events, and its triggers can be unique to each individual.
For instance, a car accident may have drastically different psychological impacts on different individuals. For someone with previous traumatic driving experiences or a deep-seated fear of cars, even a minor accident could cause PTSD. On the contrary, someone without that context may cope just fine afterwards. Other common triggers include witnessing death, natural disasters, or even the sensation of threat from a news event. Understanding these complexities is crucial for providing effective support to loved ones navigating the challenges of PTSD. In this post, we’ll explore practical ways to help those in your life who are affected by this condition.
Recognizing the Signs
If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from PTSD without a formal diagnosis, there may be symptoms that you can notice to confirm your suspicions.
“Reliving” the event: Nightmares, flashbacks, or unwanted intrusive thoughts about the event.
Avoidance of triggers: Being unwilling or resistant to visit places, people, or conversations which may trigger memories.
Mood changes: Sudden or lasting feelings of hopelessness, apathy, or a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities.
Heightened alertness: Increased anxiety, difficulty relaxing or sleeping, or being easily startled.
Behavioral changes: Withdrawal from social life, angry or irritable outbursts, or reckless behavior.
How to Offer Support to Your Loved One
For someone struggling with any combination of the above symptoms, having a loving and trustworthy support system can make an enormous difference. Offering that support, however, can feel intimidating. Listed below are some ideas which can help demystify the process of being there for someone who has PTSD or is recovering from trauma.
Be a Good Listener
It’s important to let your loved one share at their own pace. Listen without judgment, ask questions, and let them share when they’re ready.
Knowledge is Power
If you haven’t already, learn as much as you can about PTSD on your own time. Your loved one may share more details about their own experience, but try not to give them the added responsibility of educating you about their disorder.
Bring in the Reinforcements
If they aren’t already in the care of a mental health professional, gently encourage them to find one. Try assisting them in the process of looking for a therapist or calling to set an appointment for them if they’re open to it.
Give Them Space
Be willing to discuss their trauma and spend time together, but also be prepared to respect their boundaries as necessary. Allow them to take one day at a time, and understand that their need for space or time away from certain topics has nothing to do with you.
Acts of Service
Offer practical help when possible, like running errands together, helping them clean their room, or doing their laundry. Lighten their load so they can get extra rest during their healing.
Reach Out
In lieu of any of these other support options, reach out to let them know you’re thinking about them. Even support from a distance makes a difference, and can help reduce feelings of isolation.
Treatments and Professional Help for PTSD
Wanting to offer support to someone with PTSD is a kind and caring endeavor, but it can often be overwhelming if attempted without the help of a professional. There are various treatment options available that require the expertise of a therapist or counselor to effectively guide someone dealing with PTSD. Seeking professional help is a vital step in managing symptoms and fostering recovery. Here are some common approaches:
Therapy Options
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Group Therapy are all common modalities for those suffering from PTSD or trauma.
Medication
In some cases, a mental health professional may suggest antidepressants and/or anti-anxiety medications to help alleviate symptoms of PTSD. For best results, these should be taken in addition to therapy or counseling.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Somatic approaches or Yoga Therapy may be used to help reduce anxiety and to regain control of intrusive thoughts or flashbacks.
Helping your loved one find a counselor can be an amazing form of practical support, if they are open to it. Healing from PTSD is a process, and a quite challenging one at that, so be patient and remember that healing is not linear.
Take-Aways
Supporting someone with PTSD is a compassionate and important role, but remember that taking care of yourself is equally vital. The emotional demands of being there for a loved one can be overwhelming, and neglecting your own well-being can lead to burnout.
Make sure to set aside time for your own self-care, whether that means engaging in activities that bring you joy, seeking support from friends or professionals, or simply taking moments for reflection and relaxation. By maintaining your own mental and emotional health, you can be more present and effective in supporting your loved one on their healing journey.
Remember, healing from PTSD is a shared journey, and your strength and resilience can create a positive impact. Together, with the right resources and mutual care, both you and your loved one can navigate the challenges ahead.