English
​
Answer:

They have trouble sleeping at night. ,

They're experiencing severe anxiety.

Source:

1 https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-are-symptoms-ptsd

What can you do to support their recovery?

Dos and Don'ts
1

Do...

  1. Understand more about PTSD. By educating yourself about the condition, you’ll have more empathy and understanding of what your friend or family member is going through.

    stack of books

  2. Find an enjoyable activity to share with them. A regular routine will help them feel more in control of their life.

    two people playing soccer

  3. Know their triggers and avoid the situations or scenarios that might cause an emotional reaction. For instance, if their trauma is linked to loud noises, you can steer clear of noisy environments. Even small steps you can take can make a significant impact.

    2

Hand and heart joined

Don't...

  1. Pressure them into "talking it through". PTSD is about unwanted memory of trauma. Allow them to open up when they want to.

    Flaticon Icon

  2. Check on them if they're attending treatment. Your support should not be overbearing.

Flaticon Icon

Sources:

1 https://fherehab.com/learning/living-with-someone-who-has-ptsd

2 https://fherehab.com/learning/living-with-someone-who-has-ptsd

What do I need to know about PTSD?

If your loved one receives a PTSD diagnosis, you should know that this condition isn’t a life sentence, and many people can find the courage to overcome PTSD.

artwork showing two people hugging

Recovery is a process.

Although recovery is possible, your loved one will need time, a conscious effort, and support from friends and family.

Be patient and understand they won’t get better overnight.

Flaticon Icon

Encourage continued treatment. Your loved one has the best chance for recovery if they seek professional help.

1

Flaticon Icon

Source:

1 https://fherehab.com/learning/living-with-someone-who-has-ptsd

When should I seek emergency help?

ambulance Photo by Jonnica Hill on Unsplash

If your loved one is in danger of attempting suicide or hurting themselves:

  • Make sure someone stays with her or him to keep them safe.

  • Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

If you know someone who has suicidal thoughts, don’t wait!

  • Reach out to someone you trust or your family doctor for advice.

  • Contact someone in your faith community or support network.

  • Call a suicide hotline number: US 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), in Canada 1-833-456-4566.

Don't forget about yourself!

Being in a good state of mind can help you better support your friend or loved one.

  • Take a long walk in nature.

  • Take up mindfulness meditation. 

  • Think about what makes you strong.

  • Find ways to strengthen your own resilience.

    Man standing on cliff over a sea Photo by Sead Dedic on Unsplash

    1

Source:

1 https://unsplash.com/@daesign?utm_source=rumie_build&utm_medium=referral

Take Action

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Two people holding hands Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

Do you think your friend or loved one may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

Support them to access professional help and resources.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that some people develop following a deeply disturbing event, for example:

  • sexual assault

  • physical attack

  • traffic accident

  • natural disaster

  • fighting in or being exposed to war

PTSD develops in approximately one in three people who experience trauma.

Some people are more likely to develop PTSD if they have mental health diagnoses, addictions, or experienced other trauma earlier in life.

black clouds in the sky Photo by Vita Leonis on Unsplash

Did you know?

This Byte is only meant as a springboard for you to think about what resources you have available to get someone help. PTSD can be a very serious issue. If you think your loved one or friend is a sufferer, they may need the help of a doctor, psychiatrist, or counselor.

What are the symptoms to watch out for?

Common PTSD symptoms can be:

 

  • flashbacks 

  • panic attacks

  • trouble sleeping or nightmares

  • negative changes in behavior and mood

  • severe anxiety

  • depression

    Man with eyes closes, hurting Photo by Creedi Zhong on Unsplash

  • If you recognize these symptoms in your friend or a loved one, ask yourself if you’re aware of a traumatic event that may have occurred in their life recently.

    Flaticon Icon

  • You can try to have an open and non-judgmental conversation with them.

    Flaticon Icon

  • Ultimately, encourage them to see a doctor and get professional treatment.

    Flaticon Icon

Quiz

Your loved one has just lost their home in a tornado. Which symptoms below might be a sign of PTSD?

What can you do to support their recovery?

Dos and Don'ts

Do...

  1. Understand more about PTSD. By educating yourself about the condition, you’ll have more empathy and understanding of what your friend or family member is going through.

    stack of books

  2. Find an enjoyable activity to share with them. A regular routine will help them feel more in control of their life.

    two people playing soccer

  3. Know their triggers and avoid the situations or scenarios that might cause an emotional reaction. For instance, if their trauma is linked to loud noises, you can steer clear of noisy environments. Even small steps you can take can make a significant impact.

Hand and heart joined

Don't...

  1. Pressure them into "talking it through". PTSD is about unwanted memory of trauma. Allow them to open up when they want to.

    Flaticon Icon

  2. Check on them if they're attending treatment. Your support should not be overbearing.

Flaticon Icon

Subscribe for more quick bites of learning delivered to your inbox.

Unsubscribe anytime. No spam. 🙂

What do I need to know about PTSD?

If your loved one receives a PTSD diagnosis, you should know that this condition isn’t a life sentence, and many people can find the courage to overcome PTSD.

artwork showing two people hugging

Recovery is a process.

Although recovery is possible, your loved one will need time, a conscious effort, and support from friends and family.

Be patient and understand they won’t get better overnight.

Flaticon Icon

Encourage continued treatment. Your loved one has the best chance for recovery if they seek professional help.

Flaticon Icon

When should I seek emergency help?

ambulance Photo by Jonnica Hill on Unsplash

If your loved one is in danger of attempting suicide or hurting themselves:

  • Make sure someone stays with her or him to keep them safe.

  • Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

If you know someone who has suicidal thoughts, don’t wait!

  • Reach out to someone you trust or your family doctor for advice.

  • Contact someone in your faith community or support network.

  • Call a suicide hotline number: US 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), in Canada 1-833-456-4566.

Don't forget about yourself!

Being in a good state of mind can help you better support your friend or loved one.

  • Take a long walk in nature.

  • Take up mindfulness meditation. 

  • Think about what makes you strong.

  • Find ways to strengthen your own resilience.

    Man standing on cliff over a sea Photo by Sead Dedic on Unsplash

Take Action

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​
Source:

1 https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-are-symptoms-ptsd

What can you do to support their recovery?

Dos and Don'ts
1

Do...

  1. Understand more about PTSD. By educating yourself about the condition, you’ll have more empathy and understanding of what your friend or family member is going through.

    stack of books

  2. Find an enjoyable activity to share with them. A regular routine will help them feel more in control of their life.

    two people playing soccer

  3. Know their triggers and avoid the situations or scenarios that might cause an emotional reaction. For instance, if their trauma is linked to loud noises, you can steer clear of noisy environments. Even small steps you can take can make a significant impact.

    2

Hand and heart joined

Don't...

  1. Pressure them into "talking it through". PTSD is about unwanted memory of trauma. Allow them to open up when they want to.

    Flaticon Icon

  2. Check on them if they're attending treatment. Your support should not be overbearing.

Flaticon Icon

Sources:

1 https://fherehab.com/learning/living-with-someone-who-has-ptsd

2 https://fherehab.com/learning/living-with-someone-who-has-ptsd

What do I need to know about PTSD?

If your loved one receives a PTSD diagnosis, you should know that this condition isn’t a life sentence, and many people can find the courage to overcome PTSD.

artwork showing two people hugging

Recovery is a process.

Although recovery is possible, your loved one will need time, a conscious effort, and support from friends and family.

Be patient and understand they won’t get better overnight.

Flaticon Icon

Encourage continued treatment. Your loved one has the best chance for recovery if they seek professional help.

1

Flaticon Icon

Source:

1 https://fherehab.com/learning/living-with-someone-who-has-ptsd

When should I seek emergency help?

ambulance Photo by Jonnica Hill on Unsplash

If your loved one is in danger of attempting suicide or hurting themselves:

  • Make sure someone stays with her or him to keep them safe.

  • Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

If you know someone who has suicidal thoughts, don’t wait!

  • Reach out to someone you trust or your family doctor for advice.

  • Contact someone in your faith community or support network.

  • Call a suicide hotline number: US 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), in Canada 1-833-456-4566.

Don't forget about yourself!

Being in a good state of mind can help you better support your friend or loved one.

  • Take a long walk in nature.

  • Take up mindfulness meditation. 

  • Think about what makes you strong.

  • Find ways to strengthen your own resilience.

    Man standing on cliff over a sea Photo by Sead Dedic on Unsplash

    1

Source:

1 https://unsplash.com/@daesign?utm_source=rumie_build&utm_medium=referral

Take Action

Rumie logo

This logo isn't an ad or affiliate link. It's an organization that shares in our mission, and empowered the authors to share their insights in Byte form.
Rumie vets Bytes for compliance with our Standards. The organization is responsible for the completeness and reliability of the content.
Learn more about how Rumie works with partners.

License:

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