It can be overwhelming if your loved ones suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder can present numerous challenges, and they are exceptional to each person living with it. The symptoms can be taxing for you and the person to navigate, but social support proved to be a valuable help for managing PTSD. If you are suffering from PTSD, you should seek help from Oklahoma City mental health therapy.
How to help a loved one with post-traumatic stress disorder
Research says that a positive and healthy relationship can be a foundation for healing. A study confirmed that people with higher levels of sensed social support experienced lower intense symptoms of Post-traumatic stress disorder, such as feeling trapped and rumination.
When you want to support someone with PTSD and strengthen the bond, you can do several things, say, and also things to avoid.
- Know what makes the person feel safe.
According to research, fear can be a primary symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder. By providing a safe environment, one can counteract fear.
To help and support the person with PTSD, learn what makes them secure. When the person feels unsafe, you can help them feel a sense of security based on how they feel safe and loved, such as:
- Providing affirmations like, “It is going to be okay.”
- Cook for them or give them a small gift
- Offer them a hug
- Spend quality time together
Let the person decide when they are ready to engage with anything and support them.
- Reassure them
Reassuring the person of their worth and loving them is one simple, powerful way to support a person facing PTSD. You can say the following things to comfort them:
- “Everyone loves you.”
- “You will get through this.”
- “I am not going anywhere.”
- “I am always here for you.”
A person living with PTSD experiences triggers of past trauma even if there is nothing external to trigger a sense of danger. Specific verbal reassurance can help offset fear and provide a sense of calm in such moments.
- Stay in transparent communication.
Each person has different symptoms and triggers. Transparent communication can help you prepare the most supportive way to respond when they arise. Talking about the symptoms and triggers can help make an intentional, supportive response.
It may be hard for them to express if the person is communicating with you in a flat voice. It is best to ask questions about what their tone or expressions may or may not indicate.