How to Help Someone with PTSD
It's hard to watch your loved ones struggle with their mental health. It feels even worse when you realize that one of the main reasons why they are struggling is due to a traumatic experience.
Trauma, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is something that can happen to any person for any reason. At its core, trauma is a response to a highly emotional or distressing event or situation. In the aftermath of a traumatic experience, it can have a profound impact on somebody's mental and physical well-being.
It's challenging to know how to help someone when they struggle with PTSD. Below are some tips on how to support your loved one.
Educate Yourself
Most people have heard of PTSD, but that doesn't mean everyone understands it. In fact, most people only have a basic understanding of PTSD through its depiction in movies and television. While these portrayals can be accurate, they don't paint the full picture.
One of the first steps to take to help support someone with PTSD is to educate yourself. No two people will experience the same symptoms or behaviors, but, in general, there are signs to watch out for. Keep in mind that there are signs of PTSD that are more internalized, meaning it might not necessarily be easy to spot right away.
Additionally, each person will likely be triggered by smells, noises, or situations that remind them of the painful experience. It could be something as simple as the sight of flashing lights.
Don't Push Them To Talk
We all know that talking about issues can help us feel better. However, when it comes to a traumatic experience, that isn't exactly the easiest thing to do. Of course, you want to encourage them to open up, but this should never come at the expense of them feeling pressured.
It can be painful to think about the past as it is, let alone talking about it. They may not even know how to express their feelings or thoughts. One of the best ways to support someone with PTSD is to ensure they know you are there for them when they are ready to talk. Even if they don't open up to you eventually, they will likely feel better knowing someone is there to listen.
When they are ready to talk, be the listening ear they need in that moment and the person they can lean on for their mental health. As much as you can, try not to interrupt them or share your own experiences, even if you went through something similar. There will be a time for you to share your experience, of course. But letting someone have the floor to talk will help them feel as if their experience is not being minimized.
Help Distract Them
Trauma follows you around. It's unrelenting in its reminders of what happened. Even the smallest trigger can cause someone to be taken back to an experience. Running away from the past isn't the answer, but that doesn't mean you can't help distract them.
Providing distractions and finding fun things to do with each other can help them feel better. Little things like going to dinner, walking in the park, or watching a movie can be great ways to bond and distract them.
Essentially, urge them to do things that will help them to take their mind off their trauma.
Encourage Therapy
Trauma leaves a complex and tight grasp on a person's life. No matter what they went through, it can leave a lasting impact without treatment. Finally, the best way to help support someone with PTSD is to encourage them to seek mental health support. Encourage them to reach out to us for trauma therapy, which can be a transformative and healing experience.
