PTSD is chronic, which means that you can struggle with symptoms throughout your lifetime. Even during active and regular treatment at a PTSD treatment center in Boise Idaho, symptoms can worsen. When a friend or loved one is struggling with PTSD, you may wonder how to help someone with PTSD. The best way to help someone with PTSD is to understand the complexity of the condition and offer support, compassion, and understanding.
More than 7% of Americans will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in their lifetime, making it one of the most prevalent mental health disorders in the country. PTSD, especially when left untreated, can cause disabling symptoms that can prevent you from working, going to school or living an active life. PTSD can also make it difficult to leave your home or feel comfortable in public.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a trauma related mental health condition that can develop after your witness or experience a violent or traumatizing event. Women are more likely to develop PTSD, but men are more likely to experience a traumatic event. Certain people, such as military personnel, emergency and first responders and law enforcement officers, are more likely to develop PTSD. Working in a profession that is dangerous or prone to exposure to violence can increase your chances of developing PTSD.
PTSD can make it difficult to function without treatment. Reminders of your underlying trauma can cause panic and anxiety attacks, causing you to isolate from others. Other common signs and symptoms of PTSD include:
- Nightmares, night terrors and difficulty sleeping
- Experiencing flashbacks
- Avoiding people, places or things that remind you of your trauma
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Irritability and mood swings
PTSD is treated with both evidence-based and holistic therapies, such as medications and individual therapy. A PTSD treatment center Boise Idaho offers can also provide:
- Short-term and long-term inpatient treatment
- Individual, family, and group counseling
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Relapse prevention education and planning
How to Help Someone With PTSD
To best understand how to help someone with PTSD, it is important to understand that treatment is usually necessary. Encouraging a friend or loved one with PTSD to find treatment is one of the best ways you can support them. Symptoms can become overwhelming, even if you are complying with treatment.
Exhibiting patience, understanding, and support are also important. PTSD, like other mental health disorders, can make you feel isolated, alone and frustrated. Symptoms can make it hard to socialize and interact with others, which may lead to social anxiety. When your friend or loved one is struggling with symptoms, avoid judgment. Providing encouragement and acceptance of their emotions is another great way to help your friend or loved one when they are struggling with PTSD symptoms.
Finding Help Today
PTSD can cause damaging symptoms that prevent you from living life to the fullest. If you want to learn more about how to help someone with PTSD or would like to find out more about PTSD treatment, call us today at 208.518.0797.
