PTSD is a complex disorder that can take time to recover from, so it’s essential to be patient with your loved one.
The first thing to do is learn what triggers the person’s symptoms so you can help them avoid them. It will also assist you in understanding their sentiments and what helps them.
Be a good listener
When someone with PTSD tells you about an upsetting experience, they want you to be there for them. They need you to listen, not judge or try to control their feelings. It can be a challenging task, but it’s essential to give them the support they need.
A good listener is confident in their abilities and doesn’t try to prove themselves by countering someone else’s opinion. Instead, they respect the other person’s point of view and are willing to work with them toward a common goal.
A person with PTSD often has a hard time sharing their experiences. They fear judgment, so knowing when to raise their concerns can be challenging.
Encourage them to get help
As a family member or friend, you can support a person with PTSD by encouraging them to seek treatment. It could include talking with a mental health professional, taking medication, or attending group therapy sessions.
Remember that PTSD can be hard to diagnose and may take time before the symptoms disappear. However, you can help by being patient and reminding your loved one of the benefits of treatment and how it has helped you.
Often, people with PTSD have difficulty speaking out in a way that is easy for others to understand. So, it is essential to be a good listener and speak clearly when they do talk.
You can also encourage them to seek help for their PTSD by letting them know that you are there for them and that they can talk with you at any time. However, don’t push them to talk or force them into speaking if they are not ready.
You can also encourage them to join the best online support groups for PTSD or learn more about resources available in your area. These groups are a great way to connect with others who can relate to your loved one’s experiences and share their own.
Be patient
If you’re trying to support a person with PTSD, you must be patient. It is especially true if your loved one is in treatment, as recovery from PTSD can take time and often involves setbacks.
PTSD is a severe mental health illness that affects persons involved in a traumatic incident, such as a car accident or a war. It can cause many symptoms, including reliving the event and feeling on edge or anxious.
A person with PTSD may also feel angry and irritable. It can be a reaction to triggering events or suppressing feelings like grief, guilt, or helplessness.
When your loved one is triggered, try to recognize it and take steps to defuse the situation. It may include offering reassurance, breathing exercises, or talking calmly with them.
Be aware of any changes that might make them feel unsafe, such as new places or crowds. Try to plan so that they can avoid these situations. You can create routines and predictable schedules to restore a sense of security for your partner.
Offer practical help
People with PTSD may need practical help to control their emotions and maintain their daily routines. You can offer support by doing things for them, such as picking up children from school or taking out the garbage.
You can also help them by ensuring they eat well, exercise regularly, and avoid alcohol or drugs. It can make them feel more in control and reduce their anxiety.
Keeping social contact is also essential. It could mean chatting to them about your own lives or inviting them to join you in some activities you do.
Another way to provide emotional support is by offering them a place in your life where they feel safe and secure. For example, it could be your home or a safe space for them to talk.
PTSD can be treated in various ways, including therapy and medication. Medication can lower arousal symptoms, such as agitation and panic, and helps people sleep better. Psychotherapy, such as EMDR or trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help people learn new coping skills and deal with traumatic experiences.
Encourage them to talk
If you have a loved one with PTSD, you may find it challenging to understand their feelings. However, this is a normal part of the healing process, and it’s essential to listen carefully when they talk about what happened.
You can support them by encouraging them to talk about their feelings and reassure them that you’re there to help them whenever they feel ready. Only pressure them to do so if they ask you to, and try not to judge or comment on what they say.
Learning about self-regulating exercises, such as yoga and meditation, can also be helpful. These can help your loved one manage their anger and other PTSD symptoms.
People with PTSD can experience angry feelings to mask other emotions, such as grief, guilt, or helplessness. Therefore, it’s essential to watch for signs that your loved one is getting angry, including clenching their jaw or fists or talking loudly and getting agitated.
It’s also a good idea to discuss with your loved one how formal treatment can help them recover from their trauma, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or medication. Explain that these treatments can make them more comfortable with their feelings and help them see a life free from PTSD or C-PTSD.
