7 strategies to help someone with - PTSD

It can be extremely distressing to learn that a loved one is experiencing PTSD. However, by following these guidelines, you can assist your loved one in moving on with their life.

7 strategies to help someone with - PTSD

When staying with someone who has PTSD.

You are impacted when a friend, lover, or family member suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Living with PTSD is difficult, and it can negatively affect relationships and family life. Your loved one's distance and moodiness may hurt you, or you may find it difficult to comprehend why they behave this way, why they are less affectionate and more erratic.

It's possible to get the feeling of living with a stranger or treading carefully. In addition, you might have to shoulder more of the domestic chores and put up with a loved one's refusal to communicate. PTSD symptoms can also result in substance misuse, job loss, and other issues that impact the entire family.

Although it can be difficult to ignore PTSD symptoms, it's crucial to keep in mind that a person with the disorder may not always be in control of their actions. Your loved one's nervous system is "stuck" in an alert state, which causes them to feel unsafe and vulnerable all the time or forces them to repeatedly relive the horrific event. This can cause your loved one to have PTSD symptoms they are unable to easily switch off, such as rage, impatience, despair, mistrust, and others.

However, your loved one's nervous system can be "unstuck" with the correct help from you and other family members and friends. By using these suggestions, you can assist them in ultimately letting go of the upsetting experience and allowing your shared life to get back to normal.

Here are 7 strategies for Helping someone with PTSD. 

1. Strategies 1: Give social assistance.
2. Strategies 2: Pay attention well.
3. Strategies 3: Restore confidence and safety.
4. Strategies 4: Recognize and control triggers.
5. Strategies 5: Deal with volatility and anger.
6. Strategies 6: Encourage the course of treatment.
7. Strategies 7: Take care of yourself.

Strategies 1: Give social assistance.

People who suffer from PTSD frequently distance themselves from friends and relatives. They can think that nobody will understand what they're going through, feel embarrassed, or not want to burden others. Although it's crucial to honor your loved one's boundaries, your consolation and encouragement can lift their spirits and lift their spirits out of sadness and despair. In fact, according to trauma specialists, receiving in-person support from others is crucial for PTSD rehabilitation.

It's not always simple to know how to show someone with PTSD your love and support. Although you cannot make your loved one get better, just spending time with them will go a long way toward helping them recuperate.

• Refrain from pressuring a loved one to communicate. PTSD sufferers may find it extremely difficult to discuss their horrific experiences with others. Some people may even feel worse as a result of it. Rather, express your willingness to simply hang out with them when they don't feel like talking or to listen when they do. More important than talking, comfort for someone suffering from PTSD comes from making them feel included and welcomed by you.
• Engage in "normal" activities with your loved one, activities unrelated to the traumatic event or PTSD. Encourage the person you care about to make new acquaintances, engage in enjoyable hobbies, and engage in rhythmic physical activities like rock climbing, swimming, walking, or jogging. Go dancing, take a fitness class, or schedule a regular lunch date with loved ones.
• Rather than giving your loved one instructions, let them take the initiative. Though each person with PTSD is unique, most have an innate sense of what calms and secures them. Seek guidance from your dear one on the most effective ways to offer assistance and company.
• Control your tension. You'll be able to support your loved one more effectively the more at ease, focused, and comfortable you are.
• Have patience. The process of recovering is lengthy and frequently fraught with setbacks. Remaining upbeat and continuing to be there for your loved one is crucial.
• Get knowledgeable about PTSD. The more informed you are about the signs, consequences, and available treatments, the more able you will be to support your loved one, empathize with their situation, and maintain perspective.
• Expect and accept conflicting emotions. You should expect a complex range of emotions during the emotional roller coaster, some of which you may never want to acknowledge. Just keep in mind that feeling bad for a member of your family does not imply that you do not love them.

Strategies 2: Pay attention well.

A person with PTSD shouldn't be forced to talk, but if they do, try to listen to them without passing judgment or setting any expectations. Express your attention and concern clearly, but don't feel obligated to offer guidance. Not what you say, but the act of listening intently is what will benefit your loved one.

A PTSD sufferer can find it necessary to repeatedly discuss the unpleasant experience. Refrain from telling your loved one to stop talking about the past and move on because this is a necessary part of the healing process. Rather, offer to speak with them as often as necessary.

It may be difficult to listen to what your loved one says you at times. Although it's acceptable to disagree with what you hear, it's crucial to honor their emotions and responses. They are not going to open up to you again if you come across as disapproving, terrified, or critical of others.

Communication traps to stay away from:

• Provide simple explanations or casually reassure your loved one that everything will be alright.
• Put an end to your loved one's discussion of their emotions or worries.
• Give your loved one uninvited counsel or suggest what they "should" do.
• Assign all of your family's or relationship's issues to the PTSD of a loved one.
• Deny, downplay, or invalidate the horrific experience that your loved one endured.
• Make demands, threats, or ultimatums.
• Make your loved one feel inadequate as they aren't managing life as well as they could.
• Comfort your loved one by telling them that things weren't worse.
• Take charge by sharing your unique experiences or emotions.

Strategies 3: Restore confidence and safety.

Trauma changes a person's perspective, making the outside world appear terrifying and dangerous all the time. It also undermines people's capacity for self and other trust. Rebuilding your loved one's sense of security will help them heal if you can manage it.

• Demonstrate your dedication to the partnership. To make your loved one feel supported and loved, let them know you're in it for the long run.
• Establish routines. Adults and children with PTSD can benefit from the restoration of stability and security that comes with structure and regular schedules. Establishing routines could entail scheduling regular mealtimes, asking your loved one to help with chores or groceries, or just "being there" for them.
• Reduce tension in your home. Make an effort to provide your loved one enough time and space to recover and unwind.
• Talk about and establish plans for the future. This can help dispel the widespread belief among PTSD sufferers that their future is finite.
• Honor your word. Rebuild trust by demonstrating your dependability. Be dependable and honor your word when you make promises.
• Draw attention to your loved one's advantages. Point out all of your loved one's accomplishments and positive traits while expressing your belief that they can heal.
• Seek to give your loved one more authority. Giving children more options and control will help them become more self-assured and self-trusting than completing tasks for them that they can accomplish on their own.

Strategies 4: Recognize and control triggers.

Anything that reminds your loved one of the trauma and causes a PTSD symptom, such as a flashback, is referred to as a trigger. At times, triggers are clear-cut. For instance, seeing his wartime comrades or hearing loud noises that resemble gunshots may provoke a military veteran. Others might take longer to recognize and comprehend; for instance, listening to a song that was playing at the time of the traumatic incident may now serve as a trigger, as might other songs in the same musical genre. Triggers also don't have to come from outside sources. Moreover, internal sensations and feelings can set off PTSD symptoms.

Typical outside stimuli for PTSD

• images, sounds, or smells associated with the traumatic event.
• Things, people, or places that bring up the trauma.
• Important occasions or events, such as anniversaries or particular moments of the day.
• Nature (certain weather patterns, seasons, etc.).
• discussions or news reports on traumatic experiences or unfavorable news incidents.
• circumstances that seem limiting (such as being caught in traffic, at a doctor's office, or in a crowd).
• Relationship, family, workplace, educational, or financial difficulties or disputes.
• hospitals, funerals, or medical care.

Typical interior triggers for PTSD

• bodily discomfort, including thirst, hunger, exhaustion, illness, and sex frustration.
• Any physical symptom that brings back memories of the trauma, such as pain, previous cuts, scars, or a comparable injury.
• intense feelings, particularly a sense of being trapped, powerless, or uncontrollable.
• feelings, including conflicting emotions of wrath, vulnerability, and love, toward family members.

Speaking with a loved one about what triggers PTSD.

Inquire of your loved one about past responses to triggers, both the ones that seemed to work and the ones that didn't. Next, decide on a shared strategy for your future response.

Together with your loved one, decide how best to react in the event of a panic attack, nightmare, or flashback. You'll both feel less afraid of the scenario if you have a plan in place. Additionally, you'll be in a far better position to assist your loved one in calming down.

How to assist someone experiencing a panic attack or flashback.

• People frequently experience a disassociation during a flashback, feeling as though they are cut off from their own bodies. It will assist if you can "ground" them in some way.
• Inform your loved one that although it feels genuine, the incident is not reoccurring; rather, it is a flashback.
• Assist them in being aware of their surroundings by asking them to glance about the room and speak about what they notice.
• Urge them to breathe slowly and deeply; forcing them to hyperventilate will make them feel more anxious.
• Steer clear of abrupt movements or anything that could frighten them.
• Before touching them, ask. Placing your arms around them or touching them could make them feel imprisoned, which could escalate their anger and perhaps result in violence.

Strategies 5: Deal with volatility and anger.

PTSD might cause trouble controlling one's impulses and feelings. This could show itself as severe moodiness, irritation, or outbursts of fury in your loved one.

Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are under continual emotional and physical stress. They are frequently tired, tense, and physically tense due to their inability to sleep, which makes them more prone to overreacting to everyday stimuli.

Anger is frequently used by PTSD sufferers as a mask for other emotions like loss, helplessness, or guilt. They feel powerful when they are angry rather than helpless and exposed. Some attempt to contain their rage until it comes out of nowhere.

• Keep an eye out for indicators that your loved one is upset, such as clenching their fists or jaw, talking more loudly, or becoming impatient. Take action to diffuse the situation as soon as you notice the first warning indications.
• Strive to maintain your composure. Strive to maintain composure when you are expressing strong emotions. By doing this, you can reassure your loved one that you are "safe" and stop the situation from getting worse.
• Give the individual some room. Do not approach or grab the person. A traumatized individual may feel threatened by this.
• Find out how you can assist. "What can I do to help you right now?" is one example. Another option is to recommend a break or a different location.
• Prioritize your safety. You should leave the house or lock yourself in a room if the individual continues to be upset despite your attempts to calm them down. If you think your loved one might damage himself or others, give the police a call.
• Assist your loved one in controlling their rage. Although anger is a common and healthy emotion, it can have detrimental effects on a person's relationships, health, and mental state when it becomes explosive and chronic. By examining the underlying causes and discovering constructive outlets for their emotions, your loved one can learn to control their anger.

Strategies 6: Encourage the course of treatment.

Your love and support are very important, yet sometimes it is insufficient. Professional PTSD therapy is necessary for many traumatized individuals. It can be sensitive to discuss, though. Consider your reaction if someone suggested that you seek counseling.

Let your issues be brought up at the appropriate moment. When you're having a fight or facing a problem, avoid bringing it up. Additionally, use language with caution. Anything that suggests your loved one is "crazy" should be avoided. Put it this way: receiving treatment helps you acquire new abilities that you can utilize to deal with a wide range of PTSD-related difficulties.

Stress the advantages. For instance, counseling can assist them in gaining greater autonomy and self-control. Alternatively, it can aid in lessening the avoidance and anxiety that prevent people from pursuing their goals.

• Concentrate on particular issues. If your loved one becomes defensive when you bring up PTSD or counseling, try focusing on how treatment might assist with certain difficulties like anxiety, anger control, or memory and attention problems.
• Recognize the drawbacks and restrictions of therapy. Say, "I know that therapy isn't a quick or magical cure, and it may take a while to find the right therapist," as an example of what you could say. However, even a small amount of assistance will be worthwhile.
• Ask those that your loved one trusts and respects for assistance. If another person suggests counseling to the PTSD sufferer, they might be more receptive to the notion. Make recommendations such as recommending that they visit a physician or speak with a certain buddy, coach, teacher, or religious figure.
• Motivate your dear one to become a member of a support group. For some people with PTSD, connecting with others who have experienced similar tragedies can help them feel less broken and alone.

Strategies 7: Take care of yourself.

Ignoring your own needs in favor of your family member's PTSD is a guaranteed formula for exhaustion, and it may even result in secondary traumatization. By hearing about trauma survivors' experiences or being exposed to unsettling symptoms like flashbacks, you can develop your own signs of trauma. You are more likely to experience trauma if you feel more exhausted and overburdened.

You must take care of yourself if you want to be able to support your loved one for the long term and reduce your chance of developing secondary trauma.

• Attend to your bodily needs: make sure you receive adequate rest, exercise frequently, eat healthily, and take care of any medical conditions.
• Create a network of support for yourself. Rely on your faith community, other family members, dependable friends, your personal therapist, or support groups. Speaking about your emotions and experiences can be quite therapeutic.
• Give yourself enough time. Never give up on your enjoyable pastimes, hobbies, or pals. Having something in your life that you look forward to is crucial.
• Distribute the accountability. So that you can take a break, and ask your friends and family for help. You might also want to look for community-based respite services.
• Establish limits. Regarding what you can offer, be realistic. Recognize your boundaries, share them with your family members and the other parties involved, and maintain them.

Ultimately, providing for the people we care about might rank among the most significant and fulfilling tasks we undertake. Support from loved ones may be crucial for people suffering from PTSD. Your actions have the power to be immensely beneficial to your loved one on their journey, from simply listening to them to expressing your love for them.