How can family and friends help?
Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how we can help the individual at such a difficult time means that, alongside professional support, they are more likely to recover quickly and fully.
Be patient: It is important to give the person time to recover and accept that they may not be as efficient and effective as normal. Traumatic events can cause a great deal of shock - then emotional disturbance that may take time to subside. With correct treatment, however, the person WILL recover.
Listen: Sometimes it helps to talk things through with a good listener but avoid giving advice, forcing them to talk or assuming they can “pull themselves together.” Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that rarely clears up by itself.
Encourage them to take care of themselves physically: Avoiding alcohol, reducing stimulants such as caffeine and taking regular exercise can all help to manage high levels of anxiety or irritability.
Giving time and space: Many people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) feel as though they are constantly “wired” and react badly to loud noises, sudden movements and bright lights. Often the family environment is noisy and busy and this can set nerves on edge even more. Allowing the person to have quiet time where necessary and setting a soothing environment can help.
Don’t take things personally: Because Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is such an unpleasant condition for the person, they may withdraw from relationships, become snappy and moody and cease confiding with family and friends. It is crucial that family and friends recognise that this is the condition – not the individual – and remain supportive. As treatment progresses, the individual will probably revisit the traumatic event and therefore find slow improvement at first. Let them set the pace in relationships but remain available and caring. It may be hard on you but this is probably a fraction of how they feel.
How can I help myself?
There are several steps you can take that will help:
- Talking things through with a good listener.
- Avoiding alcohol.
- Reducing stimulants such as caffeine.
- Limiting your exposure to distressing media coverage.
- Taking regular exercise.
- Keeping a diary of your thoughts and feelings.
- Eating regular, well-balanced meals.
- Setting yourself small, realistic goals.
My friend recently experienced a trauma. All he does is talk about it. Shouldn't he just try to forget it ever happened?
People often need to re-live the details of a trauma over and over. This is part of the process of working it through emotionally. With each re-telling, your friend works out a little more of the feelings of horror, helplessness or anxiety, until he feels he's taken control of the experience. The best way to help is to lend a supportive ear and let him talk it through when he needs to. Sometimes a sympathetic listener can be excellent Counselling.
I've heard that EMDR can help people with post traumatic stress disorder. What is it and how does it help?
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively new procedure. It involves using systematic eye movements to help someone with PTSD process the thoughts and feelings surrounding a traumatic event. If you wish to try this procedure, be sure that your therapist is trained in it.
How soon after a traumatic event should someone seek help?
Experts are divided on this question. Some believe that most people will experience symptoms within the first month, but that these symptoms will, in most cases, disappear on their own. In the view of these experts, only those whose symptoms haven't improved within a month, or who find themselves unable to function within their daily lives, should seek treatment. Other experts believe that all victims of trauma can benefit from immediate treatment, even though most of them will not develop PTSD. You are the best judge as to whether you need some support. See Treatments page for more information on when to access professional support.
Does a person with post traumatic stress disorder always have flashbacks?
Only about 15 percent of people with PTSD have flashbacks. Flashbacks are one of several ways in which a memory of a traumatic event can intrude upon a person's life. Unwelcome feelings, thoughts and images can be just as intrusive.
My husband has PTSD. Every time the anniversary of the traumatic event comes around, he warns me to be prepared, and things get very intense. Why does this happen?
People often re-experience feelings of sadness, anxiety or grief on the anniversary of the traumatic event. Although this usually occurs on the actual date of the event, it also can occur a day before, the week of, or the month of the anniversary. Feelings may be mild or severe. Support from family and friends can make anniversaries easier to bear. But if the anniversary reaction is intense or prolonged, it's best to seek help from a mental health professional.