|
PTSD and the Family
If someone in your family has symptoms of PTSD, it is crucial to the
survival of your family that treatment is received. This
disease makes no allowances for families and because it can many
times lead to erratic behavior, families can suffer distress simply
watching a loved one go through the ordeal.
Caregivers must be careful that
their family member’s PTSD is not allowed to dominate their.
Ignoring your own needs is a surefire recipe for burnout. For you to
help a loved one deal with this disorder, you first need to take
care of yourself. It is also helpful to learn all whatever can
about post-traumatic stress disorder. The more you know
about the common symptoms and about the treatment options that are
available both inside and outside the VA, the better equipped you
will be to help your loved one.
Here are a few specifics that
can help you while the two of you are dealing with the disease.
- You need to decide to be
patient.
Recognize right up front that it will take time for
healing to occur, even when a person is committed to treatment
for PTSD. If the person suffering with PTSD is reluctant to seek
treatment, the time to heal will by necessity take longer.
Be patient with the pace of recovery and offer a sympathetic
ear. A person with PTSD may need to talk about the traumatic
event or they may not want to talk about specifics at all.
This is part of the healing process, so avoid the temptation to
advise your loved one as to what they must do. Instead, be
there for them, listen, and show them how their life can
improve.
-
Try to anticipate and prepare for PTSD triggers
Episodes can be triggered by anniversaries of events, even if
they occurred many years ago. Different people can be
triggered by different experiences including people, places,
sights, sounds, and smells. By being aware
of what triggers may cause an episodic reaction, you’ll be in a
better position to offer your support and help your loved one
get through the stress of that moment.
-
Don’t take the symptoms of PTSD personally
Remember, their symptoms are their feelings about events totally
unrelated to you. The symptoms may include lack of
emotion, total withdrawal, and even anger. By recognizing
that the symptoms are a reaction to their disorder, you can keep
your own emotions on an even keel and once again be in a
stronger position to provide support when they most need it.
-
Do
not pressure them.
There is a reason this is called a "Stress" disorder. The
last thing they need is pressure from you added onto the already
heavy burden they are feeling. If they want to talk, then
be ready to listen. If they do not, then just by letting
them know you are there will be of help. This disease
typically requires intervention from a trained professional so
don't try to play the role of therapist. They need you for
something else which is to be in the role you have as family
member, husband, wife, or friend.
Return to our PTSD Table of Contents
Return to our MAIN Table of Contents
We must never
forget that FREEDOM is not FREE!
|
