The mental health disease known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after going through or witnessing a terrifying, traumatic experience. Veterans and active-duty military personnel are particularly vulnerable to developing PTSD due to the possibility of natural catastrophes, exposure to battle, and other traumatic occurrences. To learn more about how to assist someone with PTSD, continue reading. Anyone who experiences a traumatic or extremely stressful situation may experience fear and struggle to recover. With time and the right care, the majority of people recover from the event. However, suppose the symptoms continue for several months or even years after the incident. In that case, that can be a sign of PTSD.

Among the typical signs of PTSD are:

Nightmares

avoiding places or situations where the tragedy occurred or talking about it

overwhelming shame or guilt

extreme apprehension, fear, or guardedness

Uncontrollable or flashback-like thoughts concerning the trigger

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 30% of Vietnam War veterans have experienced PTSD at some point in their lives. Veterans who participated in Operations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom between 11% and 20% of the time suffer from PTSD.

Veterans with PTSD need support from loved ones and services because many other cases of PTSD may go unreported.

PTSD symptoms typically don’t appear for several weeks, months, or even years after the initial triggering incident. Without the right care, PTSD can exacerbate existing issues, including panic disorder, depression, substance addiction, and suicidal thoughts. Therefore, anyone who exhibits symptoms of PTSD must receive the right kind of care from a mental health professional.

HOW TO AID SOMEONE WHO HAS PTSD FROM WAR

An essential first step in recovering from PTSD is receiving treatment from a qualified practitioner. Veterans with PTSD, however, also require support from friends and family. Having the right kind of social support can assist someone with PTSD in avoiding utilizing harmful coping techniques like alcohol or drugs. Even if you do not fully comprehend your loved one’s experience, there are many ways you may support them if they have gone through a horrific event that resulted in PTSD. Here are a few strategies for assisting someone who has PTSD from combat.

LISTEN TO THEM

Encourage your loved one, a soldier with PTSD, to talk about what they witnessed or went through. As you listen, make sure to listen without passing judgment and pay close attention to what they have to say. Asking questions should be kept to a minimum. Unless your loved one specifically requests it, avoid offering advice or thoughts. Allow your loved ones time and space to express themselves without pressuring them.

HELP BUILD A SOCIAL SUPPORT

No matter how eager you are to help your PTSD-affected loved one, you shouldn’t be their only social support system. Encourage them to continue their previous connections and confide in at least one other trustworthy person. Veterans with PTSD often experience social disengagement. Encourage your loved one subtly to engage in social interactions and activities.

OFFER THEM A SENSE OF SAFETY

For warriors who have PTSD, stability is crucial. Even while you can’t always drop everything at once, you should make an effort to be a constant, steady presence in the lives of your loved ones. Recognize that everyone’s healing takes time, and respect the veteran’s privacy. Consider everything your loved one tells you to be completely private. (A significant exception is if you are concerned that your loved one will hurt themselves or someone else.)

SELF-CARE FOR FAMILY AND LOVED ONES

You should not risk your mental and physical health at stake when helping someone with PTSD. You may develop health problems and be less able to care for your loved one who has PTSD if you become “burned out” from caring for them and overburdened. While assisting someone with PTSD, there are a few strategies to maintain self-care and stay well. These include:

Obtain enough slumber each night.

Find a caregiver support group, either nearby or online, to lessen feelings of isolation and get useful guidance from people in comparable situations.

Exercise frequently, according to your fitness level, and use mindful meditation techniques like deep breathing to reduce stress

Assistance and hope are available if you or a loved one suffers from PTSD. Help for Heroes is a specialized therapy program created especially for the requirements of all first responders, active-duty military personnel, and veterans.