How to Help a Loved One with PTSD

 

It is possible to reestablish a healthy, whole life even with PTSD, but doing so is challenging. Here are a few things that will need to occur for this to happen.

Focus on Family-Centered Care for Your Loved One

Family-centered care is that wherein a woman's family (whomever she believes to be her support system) works together to provide her with support and structure. Educating these people, along with the patient herself, is important because stigma and lack of understanding at home will negatively impact her condition and her recovery. When they're knowledgeable about PTSD they're more likely to show compassion.

Help Your Loved One Overcome Mental Health Care's Stigmatization

It's important to understand that the way the nervous system reacts to stressors is automatic - beyond anyone's conscious control. A combination of factors are at play here (e.g. gender, childhood experiences, genetics, culture). Therefore you shouldn't consider it a "weakness" to develop PTSD. If your loved one says they feel guilty for needing your assistance, assure them that it's like any other health condition - it requires professional care and support.

Learn how PTSD Manifests in Your Loved One 

Things within the environment can bring back memories of the trauma. These are known as triggers. When they occur they'll transport your loved one back to the trauma, making them feel the intense emotions she felt when the trauma first unfolded. This will be different for everyone so find out what your loved one's triggers are and how you can support her when she encounters them.

Celebrate the Woman you are!

Click here to discover how!

Learn About Your Loved One's Care 

Ask your loved one if they'll allow you to learn more about their care. You could possibly attend appointments with her. While there ask questions and get the answers you need so you can be supportive. Take some time to do your own research too. There are books and websites available to help you with this.

Create a Safe Environment for Your Loved One

It's important to remember that your loved one is learning how to re-establish a sense of safety in the world. Ask her what would make her feel safe in the different environments she encounters. Don't press for reasons why she's making these requests.

Always do your best to be compassionate. Your role is to be there to support her. Leave the rest in the hands of the professionals.