Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can strike anyone, as the disorder’s named, being a part of a traumatic situation can cause this to occur. High stress combat zones and trauma beyond normal will cause most people to experience some symptoms of PTSD. These triggers manifest in certain situations or locations, and this disorder may not emerge until the soldier returns home.
What Can I do to Help?
Helping your solider deal with PTSD is a long term process, and these symptoms- triggered by memories- may never be cured. However, with therapy and a supportive family based attack plan the solider can take control of the symptoms. The family can help this process in five ways:
Keep the Pressure Off
Use uncomplicated everyday activities, such as watching happy movies, playing cards, or taking walks to draw attention away from stressors. Your solider may not know how to express his or her feelings, and they most likely will not want to talk about it. Talking may even be a trigger for flashbacks, nightmares and cause panic attacks. Unless you’re armed with psychological knowledge on what to do if these situations arise, don’t push for them to talk.
Be Supportive
Being supportive without accepting inappropriate behavior can be a thin line to walk. As mentioned above, your solider with PTSD will have certain triggers, and triggers vary for everyone, but they’re commonly certain smells, sounds, locations, or other sensory that remindthem of the traumatic event. Remember the reactions of the soldier are not personal, but boundaries must be set for inappropriate behavior.
Preparation
Family members should have an action plan in place to support the solider dealing with PTSD. Each family situation is different and each family dynamic exhibits different strengths, and working with a therapist or counselor will allow the family to adapt these strengths to the needs of the soldier.
It is Not Personal
Symptoms of PTSD are the outward expression of an internal struggle, and it’s important to remember that these reactions are not personal or directed at family members regardless of how it appears. The soldier dealing with PTSD needs to have the strength and understanding of loved ones. Understand that they may not yet have the capacity to reach out to family members, but be calm and caring as they struggle through this disorder.
Listen
The saying goes, “take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth.” Helping a soldier with PTSD means listening with non-judgmental ears, being open to hear what they are trying to say about the memories that haunt them will provide a release valve. The soldier may be worried that they will lose your respect and love, so it must be demonstrated that they will not.
A professional therapist can help find the best path. The supportive family can provide the foundation the soldier with PTSD needs by being open, non-judgmental, and aware.
Author Bio
This article was written on behalf of Treatment Alternatives by Melisa Cammack, and for those who are looking for more information on getting help with disorders or addiction, please click here to learn more.
