5 Ways to Support a Loved One with PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition previously termed “shell shock” or “battle fatigue syndrome” because it affected many soldiers returning from war. However, as researchers have continued to study PTSD, they’ve come to realize it isn’t just related to combat.

PTSD can occur as a result of many other situations, such as after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, experiencing serious physical injury or even the threat of such an injury, or being involved in a situation that makes someone feel horror, intense fear, and/or helplessness.

Symptoms usually develop within three months of the event, but in some cases, it happens years later. And the length and severity of PTSD symptoms varies from one person to the next. Some recover within about six months, while others struggle for years.

Dr. Michael Kullman, with offices in White Plains and Pleasant Valley, New York, offers diagnosis and treatment of PTSD for his patients dealing with the disorder, offering cutting-edge ketamine therapy to those who qualify for it. More than that, though, he wants to help caregivers support those who have PTSD; to that end, he’s provided five ways you can offer meaningful support.

PTSD basics

PTSD symptoms come in four distinct categories, and you must have all of them for at least one month to be diagnosed with the condition:

Intrusive thoughts: repetitive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks of the original trauma, as if you’re reliving the event
Avoidance behaviors: avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the trauma and trigger unpleasant memories or flashbacks
Negative thoughts or feelings: negative or angry thoughts or feelings about yourself for not coping; includes ongoing fears, shame, guilt, and/or a sense of isolation
Heightened arousal and reactive symptoms: always jumpy or irritable and prone to angry outbursts, behaving recklessly or acting in a self-destructive way; difficulty concentrating and making informed decisions

Diagnostic criteria indicate you must have at least one symptom each of intrusive thoughts and avoidance behaviors and two symptoms each of negative thoughts and heightened arousal to be diagnosed with PTSD.

Unfortunately, there are no lab tests for a PTSD “marker,” but the doctor may use blood and other such tests to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.

If Dr. Kullman diagnoses you with PTSD, we develop an individualized treatment plan to accomplish three goals: reduce the physical and emotional symptoms you experience, improve your ability to perform daily activities, and help you better cope with the traumatic event that triggered your response. He may also provide a referral for a mental health professional for further assessment.

5 ways to support a loved one with PTSD

You can support someone with PTSD in many ways.

1. Listen to them

Lending an ear can be an invaluable resource, but you should:

Give them time to talk at their own pace; don’t pressure them
Allow them to be upset about what happened
Not make assumptions about how they feel right now, or in the past
Not dismiss their experiences with platitudes like "it could have been worse" or question why they didn't behave differently

Unless you’ve been through this yourself, you can’t fully understand the person’s experience, but listening closely can provide important clues for how you can support them effectively.

2. Don’t judge

Again, unless you’ve walked the walk, it can be difficult to understand why your loved one can't seem to “move on.” Of course you want things to get back to normal, but don’t blame them for something they can’t control or put pressure on them to get better without adequate time and support.

3. Learn their triggers

Each person experiences PTSD differently, so it might help to learn about which situations or conversations might trigger flashbacks or difficult feelings. That way, you can try to avoid those situations and feel more prepared when flashbacks take control.

4. Offer to accompany them to appointments

Sometimes, having a second pair of ears in the room can help reinforce what the doctor or therapist is saying or recommending. Offer to be the backup person for that information, and take notes so you and your loved one can refer to them later.

5. Plan ahead for difficult times

When your loved one is feeling okay, you might want to discuss with them how you can help them if they hit a crisis. Getting them to write up a crisis plan helps both parties feel more prepared to deal with the difficulties that inevitably arise.

Do you have a loved one experiencing PTSD? Do you need more tips on providing good support? Dr. Kullman can help with both. Call the office at 914-465-2882 to schedule a consultation, or visit our website for more options.