If someone you know is living with PTSD, it can be difficult to know how to support them. The good news is that there are many things you can do to help make their life easier. In this blog post, you’ll get to know about some of the best ways to support someone with PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can cause a range of symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts and images, flashbacks and nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, emotional numbing, hyper-arousal, anxiety, and depression.
PTSD was initially recognized in the early 1980s and officially labelled as a mental disorder by The American Psychiatric Association in 1980. Prior to that, it had been known by various names throughout history, such as “shell shock” and “war neurosis”. However, it’s important to note that PTSD happens for many reasons, and not just to people who have been in difficult military situations. Just some of the things that can cause PTSD include road traffic accidents, natural disasters, sexual and physical assault, and life-threatening medical diagnoses.
So what can you do to support someone suffering from PTSD?
1. Understand the Disorder
Educate yourself about PTSD and its symptoms, so that you can better understand what the person is going through. Read up on it or talk to an expert in order to gain a deeper insight into the condition.
Generally, the symptoms of PTSD include:
- Intrusive thoughts and images
- Flashbacks and nightmares
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Emotional numbing
- Hyper-arousal/anxiety
- Depression.
However, people suffering from one or some of these symptoms do not necessarily have PTSD, so it’s important to be careful about the language you use if the person has not been officially diagnosed with PTSD.
2. Help Identify The Right Medical Support And Seek Diagnosis
Encourage the person to seek medical advice from a qualified mental health professional. If the person is reluctant, offer to accompany them or research providers on their behalf. Once the diagnosis has been made, the person can receive access to appropriate treatment such as medication, therapy and support groups.
Help your friend look into all the treatment options being offered. If medication is being suggested, make sure they are fully aware of the side effects, risks and any other information that may be relevant. For therapy, it’s important to research the type of therapy being offered and find out what works best for the individual. It’s also beneficial to look into any local support groups in the area that can offer additional support. It is often a combination of treatments that ends up working for an individual.
3. Look Into Alternatives
If your friend has been suffering from PTSD for a while, or if the treatment they are on doesn’t seem to be working, it could be worth looking into alternative treatments. There are some evidence-based approaches that can be used such as meditation and mindfulness, hypnosis, yoga, aromatherapy and art therapy.
There is also an increasing body of research into the positive impact psilocybin and psychedelic mushrooms can have on PTSD symptoms, so this could be something to explore as well. It’s important to note that these treatments should only ever be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
4. Provide Emotional Support
Offer your friend emotional support, validation and understanding. Listen to what they have to say and encourage them to express their feelings. Don’t try to give advice unless it has been requested, as this can make people feel like they are not being heard, and can even have a detrimental effect. Instead, focus on providing empathy and compassion.
5. Create A Safe Space
Create a safe space for the person to talk about their experiences without fear of judgement. Let them know that you are there for them and that they can talk to you about whatever is on their mind without fear of being judged or criticized.
Offer to be there for them, even if you can’t physically be there in person. Technology such as Skype and Facetime can be used to stay in touch. Letting your friend know that you offer a safe space for them to talk can be especially helpful if they don’t have family members they can talk to, or if their home life is stressful.
6. Be Patient and Understanding
PTSD can take a long time to heal, and it’s important to be patient and understanding. Everyone has their own healing journey, and the process may involve setbacks, progress and plateaus. Recognize that healing may take time and be mindful of not trying to rush the process.
It’s also important to be mindful of the person’s energy levels, as they may need more rest than usual or may not want to do certain activities. Respect their needs and be willing to adjust your expectations accordingly.
7. Take Care Of Yourself Too
It’s important to remember that supporting someone with PTSD can be emotionally and mentally draining. Make sure to take the time to look after yourself too. Practice self-care by getting plenty of rest, engaging in enjoyable activities and connecting with your own support network.
With the right help, a positive attitude and patience, it is possible for someone suffering from PTSD to work through their trauma and live a happy, fulfilling life. Your support can make all the difference in the world.