Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health problem that can occur after a traumatic event. It can be hard for people to know how to help someone with PTSD because it is impossible to relate to their experience. If you have a friend or family member who is suffering from PTSD, you know how difficult it is to see your loved one’s behavior change. It’s important to remember that the person suffering from PTSD doesn’t always have control over their behavior, so you should not take their actions personally. While it is a hard journey for all involved, there are ways that you can help get life back to the way it was before the trauma. Here is a short guide on how to help someone with PTSD.
Understanding PTSD is the first step

towards helping someone recover. PTSD is caused by harrowing ordeals such as a physical assault, sexual violence, a natural disaster, war, an accident or the death of a loved one. When a person is threatened with or suffers serious physical harm or violence, they will experience intense fear, helplessness and terror.
While the symptoms of PTSD are similar for most, the severity of the illness is different for everyone. Most people exhibit symptoms within three months after the trauma occurred. However, there are other cases where symptoms do not begin to appear until several years later. Some people endure PTSD for a long duration while others are able to recover within six months.
Perhaps the easiest way is to simply be a good listener. Be available and empathetic, but don’t try to give any advice. Don’t push someone with PTSD to talk if they are still uncomfortable with it. If they do choose to confide in you, understand that part of the healing process may involve talking about the traumatic incident repeatedly. Avoid the temptation to tell them to get over it, tell them everything will be okay or tell them that it could have been worse. You need to listen without any trace of judgment, disapproval or unsolicited advice.