How to Help A Loved One Who May Have PTSD

PTSD is a condition that develops after exposure to trauma, which can include life-threatening events, serious injury, or situations that feel overwhelming and inescapable. The APA defines trauma as an emotional response to exposure to death, injury, or other harm.
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Understanding how to support a loved one with PTSD is crucial to fostering a safe and supportive environment where healing becomes possible. While you cannot resolve PTSD for someone else, your support can create a foundation of safety and positive social connection that will help a loved one navigate their healing journey.

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Educate yourself

PTSD can manifest in a range of symptoms including hypervigilance, social avoidance, heightened anxiety, intrusive thoughts and flashbacks, as well as negative alterations in mood, all of which can affect a person’s overall well-being.

“I think of it as someone who has their internal alarm system going off more often than not most days, like it's overly sensitive,” says licensed therapist Matthew Krauze.

By learning about symptoms and how they can impact someone’s day-to-day and their relationships, you’ll better understand their experience and avoid reinforcing harmful patterns. When you understand that symptoms like avoidance or irritability are rooted in trauma, it becomes easier to respond with compassion rather than frustration.

Cultivate a safe environment

Healing from PTSD requires emotional safety. As a loved one, your role is to provide empathy without judgment while being mindful of their own boundaries and emotional triggers.

“Many people who have PTSD are hypervigilant and their brain is telling them that they are in danger,” explains Krauze. “It's important for them to  learn they have someone who is deemed safe and understanding of their needs. Perceived safety and connection is crucial when we are experiencing strong negative emotions in PTSD.”

Additionally, make an effort to approach conversations with intentional care and compassion, even if you may feel horrified about what happened. A simple phrase can sound like: “Thank you for sharing that with me. I’m here for you.”  Likewise, active listening is vital. Focus on validating their feelings rather than minimizing or trying to solve their problems. Statements like “I’m sorry you went through that” or “I’m here to support you” can go a long way.

Encourage seeking professional support, but don’t pressure

Trauma-focused therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), can be transformative for PTSD recovery. The average patient has lived with untreated PTSD for 17 years—yet significant relief can happen in as little as four weeks with effective treatment like Nema’s approach. Particularly, CPT helps process traumatic experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms, especially as they relate to cognitive distortions.

Professional help provides structured tools to address unhelpful thought patterns and alleviate symptoms. Therapists trained in trauma-focused modalities offer a safe space for healing that offers different support than what can be offered more informally by friends, family, community, etc. With that said, it’s important to broach the idea of treatment gently and on the terms that feel right for a trauma survivor.

”It can be very scary to consider looking for help and some people may not be fully ready and that's okay,”  adds Krauze. “We want them to know that, as their family member or friend, we are always there to support them if and when they are ready to get assistance.”

Practice patience

Healing from PTSD can be a rocky road, requiring a leap of faith and significant emotional effort. While setbacks are normal, effective therapies like CPT can yield fast progress, even if the initial steps feel overwhelming. Regardless of the timeline of someone’s trauma recovery journey, respect and affirm their pace. Avoid urging them to “move on” or disclose details before they’re ready.

Be sure to celebrate victories with your loved one, including small ones! Acknowledge even minor progress, like attending a therapy session or confronting a trigger. These moments matter.

Additionally, stay supportive if any setbacks occur. Remind them that recovery isn’t linear, and that you’re there for them every step of the way.

Foster connection

Trauma often damages trust and leaves those with PTSD feeling isolated, even from those they love who were uninvolved in the trauma(s) they experienced. Rebuilding trust and fostering connection in existing relationships are vital steps in their recovery journey.

Consistency and care are key. Follow through on promises, respect their boundaries, and create a safe space for open communication. This is especially important in close relationships, where feelings of safety and intimacy may have been compromised.

Also, encourage them to connect with others who understand their experience, such as support groups or peer mentors. Some examples include:
- Spend quality time together in ways that feel safe and non-triggering, like taking a walk or watching a movie.
- Research local or online peer support groups focused on trauma recovery.
- Offer companionship during therapy-related activities, such as driving them to an appointment.

Take care of yourself, too

Supporting someone with PTSD can be difficult and complicated, which can lead to emotional burnout.  It’s okay to let your loved one know if hearing certain details about the trauma they endured is too difficult for you.

It’s important to also build your own support system. Seek out friends, family, community members, and potential therapy for yourself where you can safely process your own emotions and experiences about the trauma your loved one experienced and any ensuing challenges with their PTSD.

Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself ensures that you’re better equipped to be there for your loved one.

If your loved one is ready to take the next step in their healing journey, help them book an appointment here with one of our trauma-informed specialists at Nema. Together, we can help them on their path to healing and peace.

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