It can be difficult to connect with someone who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, often abbreviated as PTSD. Unless you have been a part of what they have seen and experienced, how can you relate to the ghosts of their past that continue to haunt them? While it can be hard to help someone with PTSD, it is far from impossible. The team at Synergy Research Centers in San Diego can offer some tips on how to help someone with PTSD.
Try to Understand How PTSD Works
One of the first steps to understanding someone with PTSD is to truly understand the disorder. PTSD can be caused by a plethora of different events, including but not limited to sexual assault, a natural disaster, an accident, a death, or serving in a war. The resulting physical or psychological trauma manifests itself in PTSD. Researching PTSD and trying to understand why an individual experiences their symptoms is an important step in treatment. Also, talk to the person about the inciting incident(s). While many with PTSD are hesitant to talk about their past, trying to get them to open up can help you better understand their struggle.
Learn the Symptoms of PTSD
For some with PTSD, seemingly minor occurrences can be enough to set them off in a panic. That is why it is important to learn the symptoms of PTSD, understanding both how people will act and what events can trigger symptoms. Some symptoms to absolutely become familiar with is that people with PTSD can be very easily startled, have trouble sleeping, and can sometimes struggle to concentrate. By learning about the symptoms, you can provide sympathy and possibly empathize with the individual with PTSD.
Offer Support in Social Situations
One of the symptoms of PTSD is that it causes people to be reclusive, isolating themselves from family and friends. Make an effort to be a social support system for them, providing them a sounding board and forcing them to leave their house. Those with PTSD can be afraid that they are becoming a burden to those around them, or that they may lose control of themselves around other people. Work to make them feel comfortable in social situations, showering them with love and support. Isolation can be very unhealthy, and forcing them out of their shell can have long-term benefits.
Give Them Structure
PTSD can potentially make any situation feel unsafe. Help provide a sense of normalcy and structure by giving the individual with PTSD a set schedule. Developing a daily routine can help them build familiarity with their surrounding, alleviating some of the fear and anxiety that comes with PTSD.
Help Them Avoid Triggers
Triggers can be found everywhere in the most unexpected places. However, if you anticipate what some triggers could be, then you can act quickly to keep the individual with PTSD away from these instances. For example, if your loved one with PTSD served abroad, one would imagine planes flying overhead could be a PTSD trigger. That knowledge can allow you to avoid situations that would have a plane flying overhead, and if you see a plane coming you can immediately provide assistance.
PTSD Treatment at Synergy Research Centers
Synergy Research Centers, with two locations in San Diego, provide treatment for PTSD through clinical research trials. Our clinicians can offer advice and support for those with PTSD or those assisting individuals with PTSD. If you are interested in learning more about PTSD or want free treatment for PTSD, contact Synergy Research Centers today! Call us at (888) 619-7272.