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About eight million adults have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the United States alone. For every 100 people, seven or eight will have PTSD at some point in their lives. Based on these statistics, you’ve probably met several people with PTSD, many ranging in severity. As a result, it is important to know how to understand and communicate with a person who has PTSD, especially when attempting to develop a relationship with them.
What To Be Aware Of
First, it is important to understand a few things that are difficult for people with PTSD. This includes; having trouble with intimacy, feeling detached from others, and not feeling relaxed when at home. So don’t take it personally if you experience some of these traits from your loved one, it can’t be helped and it will take time for them to redevelop certain emotional skills.
When attempting to build your relationship, there are a few things that should be avoided; not being overly sympathetic, being codependent, and feeling responsible for the problem or the pace of your loved one’s healing. Instead, encourage social interaction within non-triggering gatherings where they can develop an understanding support system. It is also important to provide a safe environment where they can be open with their feelings, and develop ways to relax and loosen up around people.
Managing Triggers
A trigger for someone with PTSD could be a multitude of things. Some examples are:
- sounds, sights, or smells
- a specific date or time
- locations
- nature: certain types of weather
- negative news events
Any of these can cause a panic attack or flashback for someone with PTSD. It is important to speak to your loved one and figure out a plan when confronted with a trigger. A few ways to calm someone down who is experiencing a panic attack or flashback is by:
- Encouraging them to take deep, slow breaths. If they hyperventilate, it will increase their feeling of panic.
- Tell your loved one they’re having a flashback and that even though it feels real, the event is not actually happening again.
- Help remind them of their surroundings – ask them to look around and describe what they see.
Make Sure To Also Take Care Of Yourself
One thing I can say for sure is that you must never let someone’s PTSD dominate your life. When helping someone else, it is important to not forget about your own self-care. If you get lost while trying to help someone else out, it is possible to develop secondary trauma when consistently listening to traumatic stories or witnessing someone have flashbacks and panic attacks.
- Take care of your physical needs(get enough sleep, exercise, and eat properly).
- Have your own support team: it’s important to make sure that your feelings are also talked about with someone trusted.
- Spread the responsibility: if available, ask friends and family members for assistance so that you can take a mental break.
Conclusion
People with PTSD are not damaged, and it is important to make sure that you don’t behave in a way that makes it seem like they are. There is a high chance that almost everyone in the United States is relatively close to someone who has PTSD. Understanding their triggers and encouraging socialization are ways to help someone you care about cope with the trauma that they have endured. Also, remember to not allow yourself to be engulfed in someone else’s trauma as you attempt to help them grow as a person. It is a team effort and no one should sacrifice their own mental health in an attempt to elevate someone else’s mental health.
