Supporting someone with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you are unsure of what to say or do. It is important to understand that your care and understanding can make a significant difference in their healing journey. In this post, we will explore practical ways to support your loved one, things to avoid saying, and helpful coping mechanisms that can benefit both of you.
Solstice Healthcare is here to support both those with PTSD and the people supporting them by offering comprehensive therapy services and medication management no matter where they are in Connecticut.
Be Patient and Understanding
- What PTSD Feels Like: It is important to remember that PTSD is not something a person can “just get over.” It is a long-term condition that often involves triggers, flashbacks, and emotional highs and lows. Your loved one may feel detached or on edge, and this is a normal response to trauma.
- Offer Emotional Support: Let your loved one know that you are there for them and that they can take their time in opening up. It is essential not to pressure them into talking before they are ready. Being a calm and understanding presence can help them feel safe.
- Consistency is Key: Being there for your loved one regularlyโwhether through a message, a phone call, or simply sitting with them in silenceโhelps build trust and security.
Things to Avoid Saying (and Why)
- “It is all in your head”: This statement dismisses your loved oneโs experiences and can make them feel misunderstood. PTSD is not imaginary, and minimizing their struggles will likely cause emotional harm.
- “Just get over it”: PTSD is not something that can be overcome quickly. It is a long-term condition that requires understanding and support. Statements like this can be discouraging and invalidating.
- “I know how you feel”: Even if you have experienced something similar, it is important to remember that each personโs experience with PTSD is unique. Instead, try saying, “I cannot imagine how you feel, but I am here for you.” This approach shows empathy without assuming their feelings.
Instead of offering quick solutions or dismissing their experiences, focus on being a good listener and offering empathy. Sometimes, the best thing you can say is, “I am here for you.”
Offer Practical Support: What Can You Do?
- Create a Safe Environment: Helping your loved one feel physically and emotionally safe is a critical part of their recovery. This may involve creating a calm space at home or understanding their triggers and helping them avoid stressors.
- Encourage Professional Help: Therapy and support groups can be incredibly beneficial for those living with PTSD. While you should never pressure your loved one into seeking help, you can gently encourage them by offering to help find a therapist, make an appointment, or attend a session together.
- Assist with Daily Tasks: PTSD can make even simple daily tasks feel overwhelming. Offering to help with activities such as grocery shopping, running errands, or managing household chores can alleviate stress and demonstrate that you are there to support them.
Coping Strategies for Both of You
- For Your Loved One:
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can be very helpful in reducing anxiety and stress.
- Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings can be an effective way for your loved one to process their emotions.
- Grounding Exercises: When feeling triggered, grounding techniques (like focusing on sensory details in the present moment) can help redirect their focus away from distressing memories.
- For You (Supporting the Supporter):
- Set Boundaries: It is important to take care of your own needs as well. Supporting someone with PTSD can be emotionally taxing, so make sure you prioritize your own well-being.
- Seek Support for Yourself: Just as your loved one may need therapy, you may also benefit from seeking support. Consider finding a therapist or joining a support group for friends and family members of those living with PTSD. It is essential to process your own emotions and experiences, too.
You Are Not Alone
Let your loved one know that healing is possible, and remind them that they do not have to face this journey alone. PTSD can often feel isolating, so being a steady, non-judgmental presence is incredibly important. You are offering them the hope that recovery is achievable.
It is also important to reassure yourself that it is okay not to have all the answers. The fact that you are seeking out ways to support your loved one shows that you are already doing a wonderful job.
Final Thoughts
Being there for someone with PTSD requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to learning how best to provide support. The most important thing you can offer is your presence and understanding. Healing is a non-linear process, but with the right support and professional help, your loved one can take meaningful steps toward recovery.
If you or your loved one are seeking help with PTSD, therapy or medication management can be an invaluable tool. Please reach out to us by filling out our new patient form to learn more about how we can assist you and your loved one in navigating this journey. We accept most insurances, including Aetna and Cigna. You do not have to go through this alone.