The Dos and Don’ts of Helping Someone With PTSD

It can be difficult to know how to support loved ones through experiences that you can’t understand. To make things worse, PTSD is something unique to each one who experiences it, and it can be hard for the sufferer to talk about it for many reasons. In addition to all of this, PTSD is frequently misdiagnosed and treated as fatigue or depression.

We can unintentionally harm our loved ones by the way we react to their PTSD symptoms, regardless of how long they have been apparent. Most of us genuinely want what is best for our loved ones dealing with PTSD, so here are some pointers that could help us help the ones we love.

The Dos of Helping Someone With PTSD

Acknowledge and validate their struggle It’s always reassuring to be seen in a struggle, and many people with PTSD need that assurance and validation that what they’re going through is hard.

Listen to them when they share their experience It can take a lot for someone going through the symptoms of PTSD to open up and share, so when they do, value them by listening.

Try to empathize with their feelings It’s hard to level with someone when they’re going through something we can’t understand, but we need to try to empathize with what they’re feeling.

Support them as they seek help People with PTSD tend to sit in their feelings for ages. When your loved one starts seeking solutions to their symptoms, encourage them because it is a big deal.

Ask them how you can help Asking them how you can help gives them the chance to think of what they need. They might not have even considered how they need help, so this could be a meaningful prompt.

The Don’ts of Helping Someone with PTSD

Don’t label them as lazy From the outside, a person might come across as lazy when, in truth, they are struggling to keep out of depression and stay functional. All the while they may not have the reserves of energy available for everyday life.

Don’t presume that you understand what they are going through Even though it is important to empathize, we need to be careful not to be too quick to say we understand. We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason; listen and learn before you speak.

Don’t tell them to toughen up or “get over it” This is an unkind and ignorant sentiment to share, and no good will come of it.

Don’t dismiss their efforts to heal Trying to find a way to heal from past experiences is a big deal, and sometimes all they need is for you to acknowledge that.

Don’t be inconsiderate of their needs Sometimes it takes that extra bit of effort to tune into what our loved one needs and to see how we can help them.

Getting Help Through Therapy in Carrollton, Texas

PTSD is a tricky thing to understand and difficult to experience and deal with. Your loved ones need to be validated, listened to, and encouraged as they seek help. You can do your part by listening, learning, and offering help in practical ways.

While we all want to help our loved ones, some things might be beyond our ability. That’s where counselors and therapists in Carrollton, Texas come in. At Texas Christian Counseling, Carrollton, we have trained professionals who are compassionate and knowledgeable about how to help someone dealing with PTSD. Support groups or individual counseling in Carrollton are available for the sufferer from PTSD, and their loved ones.

Contact our office today at Texas Christian Counseling, Carrollton to schedule an initial appointment. We will help you begin the healing process.