Living with PTSD can be a hard and isolating experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you have a loved one in your life who is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, there are numerous ways that you can offer support and understanding to help them cope. From learning more about the condition to staying non-judgmental when having conversations, small acts of kindness go a long way in helping someone face their challenges head-on. Read on to learn more about practical yet powerful ways that you can show up for your friend or family member living with PTSD.
Educate yourself on PTSD
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. If you have a loved one who is struggling with PTSD, you must educate yourself on the disorder to provide the support they need. PTSD can be caused by a traumatic experience such as a natural disaster, physical assault, or warfare, and can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of certain people or situations. When you learn more about PTSD and how it affects your loved one, you can better understand their experiences and be a source of comfort and support for them. If they haven’t been diagnosed yet but they are showing strong signs of having this type of trauma, then it would be worth it to have them look at getting a test done which will help with assessing symptoms associated with PTSD so they can get targeted support. Showing them that you are there for them during this time will give them the encouragement they need to pursue the available aid.
Help them sleep
Sleep is essential for our mental and physical well-being, yet it’s not always easy to achieve. For those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), falling and staying asleep can be even harder. Anxiety, nightmares, and hyperarousal are just a few of the symptoms that can make getting a good night’s rest seem impossible. Fortunately, there are ways to help someone with PTSD sleep better. You can offer to create a calm and relaxing environment for them, be it playing soothing music or using essential oils or you can also encourage them to engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation before bedtime.
Listen to your loved one
Besides the physical and emotional pain that comes with the disease, people who suffer from PTSD deal with the stigma that surrounds it. It can be incredibly difficult for someone with PTSD to share their experiences even with those closest to them. As their loved ones, you need to listen to them when they need to talk.
Listening doesn’t mean trying to fix their problems but simply providing a comforting presence for them to confide in. This can create an environment where they feel safe and supported to share their feelings without fear of judgment or unwanted advice. Respect their experiences and allow them to express themselves — that’s the first step towards healing.
Respect their boundaries
It takes time and effort to build a support system that can provide the care and attention they need. Still, it is equally important to recognize that respecting personal boundaries and giving space to those with PTSD is critical to their recovery. Individuals with PTSD may be unable to communicate their thoughts and emotions effectively, causing them to withdraw from social situations.
Because of the triggers they often experience, those living with PTSD may sometimes need to step away or avoid certain activities, events, or environments to feel safe and secure. While it’s essential to offer support and understanding, you need to respect their boundaries and give them space when necessary.
Encourage them to seek professional help
While your support can go a long way, remember that you are not a mental health professional. Encourage your loved one living with PTSD to seek the help of a trained therapist who can offer them proper guidance and support in managing their condition.
Offering support may mean helping them find a therapist, accompanying them to appointments, or simply reminding them that seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but strength. Mental health professionals can provide practical coping mechanisms and therapy tailored to the individual’s specific needs, helping them take control of their condition and live a fulfilling life.
Participate in activities with them
Engaging in shared activities can be a powerful way to support your loved one with PTSD. This can be simple things like taking a walk together, watching a movie, or cooking a meal together. These activities can provide a sense of normalcy and routine, which can be comforting for someone dealing with PTSD. It can also distract them from distressing thoughts and provide a positive outlet for pent-up emotions.
The idea here is not to push them into doing something they don’t feel comfortable with but to encourage light-hearted and low-pressure activities that can help them relax and feel connected. Shared experiences foster a sense of companionship and understanding while creating opportunities for them to express themselves in non-verbal ways, which can be therapeutic in its own right.
Let them know you’re available
Having a support system is crucial for anyone living with PTSD. Knowing that there are people who care and understand can provide immense comfort and reassurance in tough moments. Let your loved one know that you are available to listen, talk, or simply be present whenever they need it.
Even if they don’t always take you up on your offer, just knowing that there is someone who cares and understands can give them the courage to face their challenges head-on. Maybe, one day, they will reach out and lean on you, but until then, be a constant source of support and understanding in their life.
Remind them of their strengths in difficult moments
It is not uncommon for those with the condition to have moments of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. As their loved one, you can play a crucial role in reminding them of their strengths when they need it the most. It may be simple things like telling them how proud you are of them for making progress in managing their symptoms or reminding them of past accomplishments and difficult situations they have overcome. By doing this, you are offering validation, support, and encouragement, which can boost their self-esteem and confidence.
When supporting a loved one with PTSD, know that your patience, empathy, and understanding can be the difference in their healing journey. While you cannot take away their pain or make the symptoms disappear overnight, your consistent and loving presence can provide them with a sense of safety and stability. Encourage them to seek professional help, engage in activities with them, and be a listening ear when they need someone to trust. Above all, remind them often that they are not alone and that their feelings are valid. Every small act of understanding and kindness can support your loved one in their brave battle against PTSD.
