3 Ways To Help Someone Who Is Dealing With PTSD

While many people have a basic idea of what PTSD is and what it looks like, it can be an overwhelming condition for the person dealing with it and the people in that person’s life. 

Seeing a loved one struggle with PTSD is difficult. You might desperately want to put yourself in their shoes. But, you can’t re-live someone’s trauma for them. 

Does that mean you’re completely helpless when it comes to being a source of support? Absolutely not. 

There are plenty of things you can do to help someone who is dealing with PTSD. Most importantly, make sure you educate yourself on the signs, symptoms, and triggers. Once you feel like you have a better understanding, you’ll be a greater source of support for the person you care about. 

With that in mind, let’s cover three ways you can help someone struggling with PTSD.

1. Don’t Pressure Them

Emotions always demand to be felt. One of the best things a person with PTSD can do is open up and share those emotions. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. 

Many people struggling with the effects of trauma will “repress” what happened. They’ll hide their emotions and try to push them down. That doesn’t work forever. In fact, it tends to make things worse. 

But, as a friend or family member, it’s important not to force your loved one to talk. Don’t pressure them into sharing things they’re not ready for. 

Instead, let them know you’re there for them whenever they do want to talk. Be a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on for as much or as little as they want to share. When they know they have someone they can turn to, it might help them feel more comfortable about eventually sharing their feelings. 

2. Encourage a Normal Life

PTSD is something that shouldn’t be ignored. It’s essential to work through those emotions and eventually overcome the trauma that has such an impact on that person’s life. 

However, it’s important for that person to know that PTSD doesn’t have to define them. 

Help them break out of whatever “rut” they might be in by encouraging them to do normal things that have nothing to do with their traumatic experience. Beyond that, do those things with them. 

Go on trips or daily outings together. Go to the movies. Have coffee together every Tuesday. These little things can end up making a big difference. They won’t eliminate the trauma from your loved one’s life. But, encouraging “normalcy” can help them realize that their life is worth more than what their trauma wants them to think.

3. Encourage Professional Help

Your own support is essential. But, it can only go so far when it comes to actually helping your loved one overcome their trauma. 

Encourage them to talk to a mental health professional – preferably one who specializes in trauma. 

By working with a therapist, your loved one can get to the root cause of their PTSD. That’s not always easy – no one wants to re-live a traumatic experience. But, it’s a necessary part of the healing process. A mental health professional will also work with them to foster skills that will help them manage their symptoms and overcome their fears. 

Don’t feel like helping someone who is dealing with PTSD is a fruitless effort. If you care about someone, of course, you’ll want to do everything you can to support them. Keep these ideas in mind, let your loved one know you’re always there for them, and encourage them to get the help they need so they can find freedom from the trauma they’ve experienced. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about how trauma therapy can help someone or yourself.