How can you support someone who has PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects your mental health. It’s a common reaction to experiencing a traumatic event, which can make you feel frightened or helpless. If someone close to you experiences a traumatic event, this can be upsetting not only for them, but for you too. Here, I discuss what someone with PTSD may be experiencing and how you can help.
What is PTSD?
It’s natural to feel a range of emotions when we go through something traumatic, such as a car accident, assault, or natural disaster. For example, we might feel afraid, helpless, or distrusting of others.
For most people, these feelings fade over time. But for others, those feelings of stress and fear may linger after the traumatic event has passed, and interfere with their daily life.
This can be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Up to 4 in 100 adults in the UK are thought to have PTSD, and it can affect children and young people too.
Anyone can develop PTSD after experiencing or witnessing something traumatic, at any age. It means they may, at times, feel like they’re reliving the trauma as if it’s happening again.
Usually, symptoms of PTSD develop within six months of the traumatic event, but they can also develop later.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
After a traumatic event, the world can seem like a scary place. You might notice your loved one tries to avoid risks and overprotect you. They might also seem fearful and anxious.
The symptoms of PTSD vary between people, but they can usually be categorised into four types:
- avoidance – they avoid situations that remind them of the traumatic event
- intrusions (or re-experiencing) – they re-live the event through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories that they can’t control
- reactivity – they may be irritable, easily startled, struggle to concentrate, have issues sleeping, or feel on edge
- negative mood – they might feel fear, guilt, or shame about the event, and hold negative beliefs about themselves. They might also seem distant or cut off from loved ones
Children and young adults generally experience symptoms of avoidance, intrusion, and reactivity. But symptoms within these categories might differ, depending on their age.
Someone diagnosed with PTSD will have experienced these symptoms for at least a month, and they will affect their day-to-day life. In particular, negative mood can lead to problems in relationships and someone with PTSD might feel detached from other people. But there are lots of things you can do to support someone you love with PTSD.
How can I support someone with PTSD?
If a friend or family member is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it can be hard for both of you. Here are some suggestions for how you can help them. And don’t forget to look after yourself too. If you’re stressed, you may find the situation more challenging.
Communicate
One of the most important things you can do is keep talking to your loved one, because the support they need might change over time. Don’t pressure them to speak to you about how they feel, but listen to them if they want to.
Creating a supportive atmosphere could encourage them to talk to you. It may help to reassure them that you still care and are there for them. It can also be helpful if they have someone else to talk to about this, other than you.
Keep an open mind
Try not to assume how they feel, or question why they act a certain way. It may be difficult to understand their behaviour if you’ve not had PTSD. But try not to pressure them to get better.
You’re not expected to ‘fix’ things - simply giving them time, space, and support can make a big difference.
Learn about PTSD
If you know more about the symptoms and treatment options, you’ll have a better understanding of what your friend or family member is going through. It will also help to put things in perspective. You could suggest that they look at information about PTSD, too. It might help them figure out why they feel the way they do.
Look out for potential warning signs
You might notice that the behaviour of someone with PTSD changes. For instance, they might struggle to concentrate or be hyper-alert. Or they might be irritable and angry. You might also notice they begin using or increase their alcohol or drug use. It may help to praise them when, and if, they’re able to cut back on this.
If you notice a change in behaviour, ask them how they are. Talking about how they feel might help them manage their emotions.
Understand their triggers
Lots of different things can trigger flashbacks – for example, sounds, smells, tastes, or certain places. If your loved one is able to talk to you about it, try asking them about what triggers their flashbacks. That way, you can help them avoid triggers, and be more prepared to deal with them.
Give them space
If your loved one is feeling jumpy or on edge, try not to crowd them or touch them without permission. Do your best not to startle them. Take cues from them about what helps them feel calm and safe, and aim to be a reassuring presence. If they’d rather be alone, you can remind them that you’re there if they need you.
Where to get help
Lots of support is available for people with PTSD. If they’re open to the idea, your friend or family member may find it helpful to speak to a GP or therapist.
One of the treatment options for PTSD is psychological therapy. This includes the talking therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).
CBT aims to reduce cycles of negative thoughts and behaviour by helping people recognise negative patterns and challenge them. And EMDR can help people process negative emotions and sensations linked with traumatic memories.
Many support groups and organisations provide help for people who’ve experienced different types of traumatic events. Joining a support group may help your loved one feel less alone, and you could help them find a group.
There are also charities who provide resources and information about PTSD, such as the following.
- Mind – a mental health charity that offers information and support across England and Wales.
- PTSD UK – a UK charity providing support for people with PTSD, as well as their friends and family.
- Samaritans – a charity that provides emotional support to anyone in distress.
And remember, it’s important to look after your own mental health. It can be hard to see someone you love having a difficult time, so make sure to take time for yourself too.
Here at Bupa we understand how important your family is. So with our family health insurance you can rest assured knowing that eligible treatment and support is available to you and your loved ones when you need it.
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