Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be tough for everyone involved, not just for the person who is experiencing the traumatic symptoms. Friends and loved ones can be put under a lot of pressure too and relationships can become extremely strained. It can be frightening and confusing watching a loved one deal with symptoms of PTSD, and it can be difficult to know what to do for the best.
The important thing to remember is that your support can make a huge difference to someone suffering from PTSD. Just being there and reminding them they are not alone can go a long way to supporting a loved one. Symptoms of PTSD will not just disappear overnight, so you need to be there every step of the way.
There are various things you can do to help you and your family cope with symptoms of PTSD in a loved one. These can include:
- Being patient – symptoms of PTSD can take a long time to disappear after a traumatic event. Certain treatments can make symptoms better and appear like things are getting back on track, but do not try to rush a loved one back into life as normal. Give them time to adjust and deal with their symptoms.
- Learn about PTSD – educating yourself and learning about the different effects of PTSD can mean that you’re better equipped to deal with any symptoms your loved one may experience. It may also educate you on ways to help your loved one deal with their symptoms.
- Listen to what they have to say – a huge part of recovering from PTSD is talking. Do not try to pressure your loved one into speaking about their traumatic experience, but ensure you are there and ready to listen to them when they are ready to talk. Try not to interrupt them or give advice, just lend an ear and hear what they have to say.
- Look after yourself and your loved ones – make sure you and the rest of the family are being looked after too.
If a loved one is suffering from PTSD, they may begin to withdraw from company and move away from their loved ones. Whilst you should be mindful that they may need their own space to come to terms with their situation and deal with their symptoms, you also need to ensure they know you are there for them, no matter what. Looking out for triggers of symptoms or for the symptoms themselves can help you to understand a loved one’s condition and know when it is best for you to intervene and help them.
Although recovery can be a long process, most people will recover from PTSD if they are given the right treatment and support. At CFG Law we are specialist serious injury solicitors with experience in dealing with PTSD and other psychological injuries after an accident. We can help get your loved one onto a bespoke treatment plan. Our specialist solicitors work with a network of medical experts who specialise in PTSD, who can make a huge difference in your recovery.
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