Being the friend or partner of someone who is suffering from PTSD can be challenging. You want to help them, but their illness may cause you to feel like a stranger in your own home or force you to take on extra responsibilities you were not prepared for. The right PTSD treatment program can help put things back on track for you and your loved one. Call Promises Behavioral Health today at 844.875.5609 and learn more about our treatment options.
Understanding How to Help Someone Who Is Suffering from PTSD
It’s not unusual for people suffering from PTSD to withdraw from those who love them. Guilt and shame are common symptoms of PTSD. The person may feel they are a burden or feel guilty for struggling with a mental health disorder.
Finding the right way to offer your support isn’t always easy. You can’t force someone to receive help if they’re not ready. However, you can still play an important part in supporting PTSD recovery with the following ideas.
Take Care of Yourself
It might seem counterintuitive to put yourself at the top of the list when someone you care about is in pain. However, the more physically and emotionally healthy you are, the better advocate you will be.
Manage your stress and seek help from a mental health professional if you need it. You will be setting a good example if you are open and honest about your own efforts to improve your mental health.
Educate Yourself
PTSD support comes in many forms. Understanding trauma effects and the treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder is an important way of supporting those with PTSD. Not only will you be better prepared to help your loved one, but you can also spread awareness about PTSD and help remove the stigmas that prevent many people from getting help.
Enjoy Time with Them
Having a friend or partner who is affected by a mental health disorder can feel like there is always a dark cloud hanging over you. It’s not easy, but sometimes it’s best to ignore that dark cloud for an hour or two and have “normal” fun.
Engage in activities the two of you enjoy. Go for a walk and don’t talk about PTSD. Join a sports league together, play cards, or watch a silly movie. Participating in enjoyable activities shows your loved one you still care about and want to be with them and helps them remember how to be joyful.
Focus on the Positive
Focusing on your loved one’s positive traits doesn’t mean you’re ignoring their pain or denying the fact they may be suffering from PTSD. It is a way of acknowledging all the things you love about them and why you want to be in their life. Identifying someone else’s strengths can sound like:
- You are so good at…
- I like spending time with you because…
- I admire your honesty
- I appreciate your ability to…
- I can see how strong you are
People living with PTSD benefit from being reminded that they are still valuable, important individuals. They are not defined by a mental health condition.
Let Them Lead
Remember that supporting PTSD treatment for your friend doesn’t mean you’re in charge of their treatment. Every person’s journey with PTSD is different, and people respond to different therapies in different ways. Let your loved one lead the way. Recovery can be a long process that includes setbacks.
Find PTSD Support at Promises Behavioral Health
You can’t change the events that caused your loved one to develop PTSD, but you can help them change their future. Recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder is possible with the right treatment and ongoing support from friends and family members. Call Promises Behavioral Health for more information about PTSD treatment programs at 844.875.5609.