Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental health disorder caused by trauma. It affects millions of people across the US each year and can wreak havoc on one’s daily functioning. PTSD increases the stress hormone cortisol, putting the nervous system into a state of arousal and causing chronic inflammation.

It can be distressing watching a loved one struggle with PTSD. Sometimes, we don’t always have the right words to say and do not know where to begin when supporting them. Saying the wrong thing can make someone feel more isolated.

People recovering from PTSD need a strong support system for the best treatment outcomes. It’s important to understand what PTSD is, how to support someone you love going through this, and phrases to avoid when interacting with them.

Trauma Triggers and The Impact of Third-Party Actions

People respond to trauma in a variety of different ways. They may feel anger, sadness, hopelessness, isolation, or withdrawal from relationships. They can develop a pattern of self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse or violence, especially if they are triggered in the moment. Several things can trigger people with PTSD, some of these include:

• Certain smells
• People who were involved in the trauma
• Places that remind someone of the trauma
• Loud noises
• Conflict
• Tone of voice
• Violent content
• Feeling vulnerable
• Piece of clothing
• Particular song
• Anything that reminds you of the past or a traumatic experience

Being able to identify whether someone is triggered is helpful for providing intervention and supporting them through a triggering situation. Some of the signs someone with PTSD is triggered include:

• Physical signs of distress (sweating, shaking, increased heart rate)
• Anger or aggression
• Trouble focusing
• Crying spells
• Unable to fall asleep
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle tension
• Disassociation  

Interacting With Someone with PTSD

When a loved one has PTSD, it may change the dynamics of your relationship with them or life in the home. Your loved one may not want to do things you used to enjoy doing together or have a change in personality that affects your relationship. It can be distressing and feel frustrating about the changes you see in them, however, it is important to stay patient and respect their space.

One of the most important things about interacting with someone who has PTSD is respecting their boundaries. Many trauma survivors lose their sense of self-control, especially if they are victims of abuse. Respect their wants, needs, and boundaries in order to build a foundation of trust with your loved one who is recovering from trauma.

If your loved one is suffering from angry, aggressive, or violent outbursts due to their trauma, it is important to remove yourself from the situation and get help. In order to support a loved one with PTSD, you must take care of your own mental health.

People with PTSD may struggle to be vulnerable or communicate effectively. Some tips for communicating with someone who has PTSD include:

• Stay positive
• Be clear and to the point
• Actively listen without arguing or interrupting
• Use “I” statements
• Don’t give unsolicited advice
• Ask how you can help
• Help your loved one express their feelings. Ask, “Are you feeling angry?” “Guilty?” “Sad?”

What Not to Say to Someone with PTSD

Sometimes, we can say things with the intention of being helpful but may come across as dismissive. It’s important to actively listen to a loved one who is speaking about their experiences with trauma. You may not always understand or be able to relate, but just offering them an ear can go a long way. Some of the responses to avoid saying to someone with PTSD include:

• “Everything happens for a reason.”
• “Everyone experiences trauma.”
• “Just be grateful”
• “Focus on the positive”
• “You need to move on.”
• “Just get over it already.”
• “You’re exaggerating.”
• “I know how you feel.”
• “You need to face your fears.”

How to Really Help Someone with PTSD

Although you may feel helpless when supporting a loved one with PTSD, there are many ways you can help, even if it just means providing a distraction for them in the moment. Here are some ways to help a loved one struggling with PTSD:

• Research PTSD and learn as much as you can. Recognize the signs, long-term effects, and how it can interfere with your relationship with your loved one.
• Offer to help your loved one make appointments or even go to the doctor to ensure they get the right kind of medication and therapy. Even adults need an advocate sometimes. 
• Distract them with activities that will also help reduce their stress (e.g. hiking, cooking class, going to the movies, bike riding, attending a dance class, yoga)
• Encourage them to reach out for support when they need either to yourself or other trusted friends or family.
• Convince them to get professional treatment. If you’re able, offer to help them research therapists and make appointments with providers. 

Therapy Options for PTSD

As research in the field of trauma grows, more treatments than ever exist to help people manage triggers and develop coping skills that support their mental health. Trauma-focused therapies prioritize helping the client work through underlying distress so they are no longer triggered by situations that remind them of their trauma. Some of the most common therapies used to treat PTSD include:

• Accelerated Resolution
• EMDR
• Trauma-Focused CBT
• DBT
• Art & Music Therapy
• Equestrian Therapy
• Exposure therapy
• Medication

PTSD Treatment in Utah

It’s important to seek help from a mental health professional if you have experienced trauma and are struggling to function. Maple Mountain Mental Health & Wellness Center has a compassionate team of trauma-informed therapists who are here to provide comprehensive support for PTSD.

We understand the complex nature of trauma and offer trauma therapies such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and trauma-focused CBT. Reach out to our Admissions team now.

Sources

Traumatic Events by the Numbers. National Center for PTSD.