- Don’t take symptoms personally. Mixed feelings and reactions are the norm. Anger and irritability are very common.
- Be supportive and encourage social engagement – individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may socially isolate themselves. Help them get involved with friends and family.
- Understand that talking about trauma may not be helpful. Just be with the person and available to listen when needed.
- Work on developing trust with regular routines, expressing your commitment to the relationship, and being predictable. Trust is a significant issue for those with PTSD.
- Help the individual manage triggers. Triggers can be external (sights, sounds, smells or anniversary dates) or internal (physiological states and emotions). Develop a plan to help a person if they are triggered.
- Learn as much as possible about PTSD from the PTSD Association of Canada
- Self-care. Ensure that you take time for yourself as recovery from PTSD is challenging.
If someone you know may be suffering from past trauma or PTSD encourage them to seek professional help that’s unbiased and impartial. Starting to feel better is a phone call away.
Back to PTSD Trauma Counselling.