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When someone you care about is diagnosed with PTSD, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed. You might be worried about the changes in your loved one, or you might feel hurt by your loved one's distance or moods.
It's important to know that you are not alone or helpless. Your support can make all the difference in your partner, friend, or family member's recovery.
You also need to take care of yourself. Changes in family life are stressful, and taking care of yourself will make it easier to cope.
How can I help?
You may feel helpless, but there are many things you can do. Nobody expects you to have all the answers. Here are ways you can help:
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Learn as much as you can about PTSD. How PTSD affects people may help you understand what your family member is going through. The more you know, the better you and your family can handle PTSD.
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Offer to go to doctor visits with your family member. You can help keep track of therapy appointments and medicine, and you can be there for support.
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Listen. Tell your loved one you want to listen and that you also understand if he or she doesn’t feel like talking.
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Plan activities together, like having dinner, or going for a walk. Try the Mood Coach app for ideas and scheduling help.
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Encourage contact with family and close friends. A support system will help your family member get through difficult and stressful times.
How can I get help?
Take care of yourself. Your loved one's PTSD symptoms can cause problems in family relationships. If you need support you can:
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Try one of the tools in PTSD Coach Online. It's not just for PTSD.
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Download the PTSD Family Coach app featuring 24 unique tools to help you manage stress and track stress levels over time, deal with difficult thoughts and emotions you may be experiencing, and more.
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Reach out to those who have been there. Hear from family members (as well as Veterans and their providers) at AboutFace.
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