How to Help Someone With PTSD

What is Post traumatic stress disorder?

PTSD is a response to a situation that evoked an extreme amount of fear. It often occurs after someone is involved in or witnessed an event that had the potential to or did cause psychological or physical harm or death. Some examples may include a natural disaster, accident, act of violence, sexual assault, terrorist acts, act of war, bullying or intimate partner violence/abuse.

People with PTSD experience persistent disturbing thoughts related to the traumatic experience, long after the experience has ended. They may experience intense nightmares or flashbacks, have mood disturbance/anxiety and withdraw socially.  Not everyone develops PTSD after a traumatic event. It is common to experience these symptoms for days after a traumatic event for most people, however to be diagnosed with PTSD the symptoms must be present for at least a month after the event. For some people the symptoms can persist for years, or a lifetime.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

People may experience some or all of the following symptoms with PTSD:

• Recurrent, involuntary and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event

• Recurrent and distressing dreams of the traumatic event

• Flashbacks and dissociation

• Intense psychological distress as a result of exposure to cues that remind the person of the traumatic event

• Marked physiological reactions that resemble an aspect of the traumatic event

• Avoidance or efforts made to avoid triggers or reminders

• Mood disturbance that is triggered by or worsens after the event

• Alterations in memory – difficulty remembering certain aspects of the event

• Changes in beliefs about oneself or the world eg. “the world is a dangerous place”

• Diminished interest in social engagement, or feelings of detachment

• Persistent inability to experience positive emotions

• Irritability, anger

• Reckless or self-destructive behaviour

• Hypervigilance

• Exaggerated startle response

• Problems with concentration

• Sleep disturbance

PTSD Treatments

PTSD can be treated effectively. Evidenced based treatments include

• Medication such as SSRI’S

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Prolonged exposure therapy

• Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

How can I help someone with PTSD?

What you can say to someone experiencing PTSD

Whether your loved one has a confirmed diagnosis of PTSD or you suspect they may, there are some things you can say that are helpful, and things that are unhelpful.

Avoid shaming, blaming, guilt tripping the person or offering solutions. For example:
“Get over it”
“Cheer up, life’s not that bad”
“Try to think positive thoughts”
“You just have to try harder to feel better.”

These types of responses are unhelpful and damaging. Instead offer gentle support, empathy and attempts to understand.

For example:
“I’m sorry you are feeling bad, in what way can I help?”
“I am here if you need to talk, or if you would like some company anytime.”
“I can see you are struggling, that must be really hard.”
“What do you think you need right now in order to begin to heal?”

What you can do for someone experiencing PTSD

Fatigue and lack of motivation are common symptoms of PTSD due to mood disturbance and poor sleep, and completing daily tasks can be difficult. You can offer to complete some household chores for the person, cook a meal, babysit the kids and complete some life admin tasks for the loved one. If the person has not visited a health professional, you could offer to book a GP appointment and escort them.

 You can also provide some helpful websites or phone numbers, and research potential mental health professionals in the area for them. Psychwest can offer support for individuals struggling from PTSD. Contact us today to find out more or book an appointment.

How to help someone with PTSD who doesn’t want help

It can sometimes be difficult and scary for someone to come to the realisation that they need help. It can take some time until they come round to the idea that they may need additional support.

You may feel powerless in a situation where a loved one is suffering.

Here’s what you can do:

• Get your own support

• Reach out to your own support system (friends or family)

• Book a counselling session 

Be available to the sufferer, continue to offer gentle support (don’t avoid them), but don’t put pressure or force the person to get help.

If you suspect the person may be suicidal then access a service like Lifeline or Beyond Blue, as they also provide support and advice in this instance.

If you suspect that the person is at immediate risk of harming themselves, then seek help immediately by calling 000.