How to Support a Loved One with PTSD

About 6% of Americans will be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point during their lifetimes, with symptoms that can take a major toll on everyday activities and overall health and wellness. Medical treatment can help, and so can the love and support of their loved ones. 

Sarah Wilczewski, CRNA, APNP, helps patients at Revival Infusion Madison manage PTSD symptoms with customized ketamine therapy tailored to their needs. In this post, learn what steps you can take to help your loved one navigate their PTSD treatment journey successfully.

Educate yourself about PTSD

PTSD is a complex issue, and learning all you can about the condition helps you understand what your loved one is experiencing. It also enables you to anticipate what symptoms you might encounter so you can be a more effective source of support. Research reputable resources, like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and learn all you can about the symptoms and the triggers that can cause “flare-ups.”

Be available to listen

Everyone needs someone to listen to them at some point during their lives, but if you have PTSD, that need is magnified. The key is to listen—really listen—with an open mind and without judgment. Avoid the temptation to provide solutions or to downplay what your loved one is feeling. By listening with interest and compassion, you can let them know their feelings are valid.

Spend time together

Isolation is a common “side effect” of PTSD, thanks to the moodiness and irritability it can cause. One of the best ways to support your loved one is to spend time with them doing relaxing and enjoyable activities or simply being there for day-to-day tasks, like visiting the doctor or watching TV. It’s OK to suggest activities, but don’t try to force them to do things they want to do.

Encourage healthy habits

Help your loved one support overall wellness by encouraging a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep hygiene. Again, avoid nagging, but be ready to provide support and resources, like these tips on getting a good night’s sleep. If they’re interested, help them set a daily schedule to stay focused and show them how to set reminders on their phone so they don’t forget to take their medication.

Care for yourself

Caring for a loved one who’s struggling with PTSD can be challenging, and over time, it can take a toll on your own wellness, too. Make sure you follow your own advice: Observe a healthy eating plan, get regular exercise, make sure you get plenty of rest, and schedule daily “me time” to relieve stress. Support groups and professional counseling can help, too.

Be mindful of boundaries

While it’s important to let your loved one know you’re there for them no matter what, it’s also important to respect their personal boundaries. Only your loved one knows their feelings and how those affect them. Validate those feelings by letting them lead conversations, and be ready to step back, at least temporarily, if they voice a need for space.

Ask what they want

Asking your loved one what they would like you to do to support them is also a great way to respect boundaries. Ask your loved one about their specific triggers so you can help avoid them when possible, and what steps they would like you to take if they find themselves mired in a flashback, panic attack, or other PTSD crisis.

Encourage professional help

Your support plays a critical role in your loved one’s PTSD treatment, but they also need regular medical care for complete management of their condition. Help them understand that PTSD is a real medical problem that requires a real medical solution. If ketamine therapy is in their future, offer to drive them to and from their appointments to make treatment that much more convenient.

Let us help

PTSD can have devastating effects on a person’s life. To learn how ketamine infusion therapy can help your loved one, book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Revival Infusion Madison in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, today.