Blaming and speaking negatively won't help fix the situation. Be a good listener. Help your family member express their feelings in words. Ask how you can help.
Don't give advice unless asked. Learning to support a person with post-traumatic stress disorder can help prevent this sense of isolation that often worsens symptoms. Provide support for post-traumatic stress disorder by listening and showing that you care. Don't do this by pressuring the person to share with you when they don't want to, or by suggesting actions they're not yet ready for.
Practice being a stable, reliable, and trustworthy presence in your life. Listening is essential for social support. While you shouldn't pressure someone to talk, when they're ready to talk, let them know that you're there to listen. Practice active listening to show that you're engaged, but don't try to compare your feelings or experiences with those of your friend.
Even if you've experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, you don't have to say that you understand it, because maybe you don't know your exact experience. Provide a safe space for your friend who knows that they will be free from judgment. Get ready to hear the difficult or disturbing stories your friend needs to let off some steam. PTSD support groups are a beneficial way to build a strong support network and interact with others who also have this condition.
It can feel good to have a safe space for sharing and listening between people who can empathize with post-traumatic stress disorder. The Recovery Village Drug and Alcohol Rehab 633 Umatilla Blvd Umatilla, FL 32784. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), approximately 60 percent of men and 50 percent of women experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. The VA also states that between seven and eight percent of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Approximately eight million people suffer from PTSD each year, which means that 10 percent of women and four percent of men who suffer trauma later develop PTSD.
PTSD can be especially difficult for families to deal with when soldiers return from a war zone. The transition from military to civilian life can already be difficult, but veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and their families struggle even more. Naturally, families want to know what they can do to support loved ones with post-traumatic stress disorder. We hope that the 10 tips below can help start the healing process.
Unfortunately, PTSD can cause crisis situations. If a member of your family threatens to harm themselves or others, take it seriously and seek help right away. You can call 911 to take your loved one to a hospital for evaluation, or take the veteran to the hospital yourself if the person in crisis cooperates. You can also get immediate help for the veteran in your family by calling the Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-825) and clicking 1 to contact someone with specific training to help veterans.
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