Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a form of anxiety disorder that occurs in response to a traumatic event/situation. This mental state is difficult to overcome and can take a toll on families and relationships. With PTSD, understanding the disease, symptoms, and management is critical to living successfully with individuals who have it. Let’s look at how you can support the one you love’s battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Learn About PTSD
You can not help someone you love out of something you do not know. So, start by doing in-depth research on PTSD and find out about the condition, what causes it, how it occurs, and the symptoms. It’s important that you also find out about what triggers the condition and how to avoid triggers. You can read books, research online, or talk to families with PTSD individuals about their strategies and how they deal with the situation.
Do not judge
PTSD stems from past traumatic events such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, and experiencing violence. These events are generally nasty, and lots of people are afraid and ashamed to speak about them. So, if the one you love musters up the courage to pour out their heart to you, telling you what it is like to deal with trauma, never judge them. Doing so can lead to stigmatization, making them coil their tail again. Instead, be there for them, provide a judgment-free and safe place to share their struggles, and never get tired of listening to them.
Help them in Seeking Treatment
While you cannot force someone to seek treatment, you can encourage them towards it if they want to. Sometimes people struggling with PTSD feel ashamed of their suffering, particularly if they’ve lost a close ally because of the condition. If that is the case, reassure your loved ones that anyone can suffer from the condition, and seek indicated treatment strength and not weakness. You can even explore establishments that offer the best treatment programs and help them book appointments. Then accompany them to their treatment clinic anytime they go out. This way, your loved ones will feel loved, and their well-being is important.
Anticipate Triggers
Because PTSD happens differently to people, find out about your loved ones and symptoms triggers can help relieve them. Triggers can include anything, specific people, smells, locations, dates, sounds or weather patterns. For example, someone you love may have violence as a trigger. So, watching action movies together can give them traumatic flashbacks or panic attacks. Thus, learning about the one you love’s triggers lets you help them deal with situations that may affect them.
Minimize Stress
PTSD patients have challenges in dealing with stress. Try to keep your home environment as relaxed and stress-free as possible. Your home should offer comfort, which can help them recover. Also, avoid bringing home or inviting people who might upset the one you love because of PTSD. Remember not to place huge responsibilities or demands on your loved ones as doing so can make them feel pressured or increase their stress level.
Living with a loved one who has a long-term but challenging condition like PTSD is no easy feat. So, remember to take care of yourself while grooming them. Don’t be guilty of taking time off and recharging your batteries. Your loved ones need you to be healthy, healthy and not tired or working hard.
