Amongst the mental health disorders that many struggle with, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a debilitating condition for those who deal with it. However, it can also be deeply challenging for their carers and family members, who live with the illness, while never experiencing it first-hand.
This presents many challenges, as their desire to help someone they love collides with an understanding that the condition of PTSD is both complex and cannot simply be expected to resolve with time.
Coping with the symptoms of PTSD can be a long and difficult journey for everyone involved. In this article, we will explore some of the main things to consider when managing PTSD as a carer or family member.
Educate Yourself
One of the most important things to do when caring for someone with PTSD is to educate yourself about the condition as best you can.
Understanding the causes (which can be very unique to each sufferer), their specific symptoms, and the common triggers of PTSD can help you provide better support to your loved one.
There are many resources available online, including books, articles, and some support groups, which can help you gain a better understanding of PTSD.
Seek Professional Help
PTSD is a serious mental health condition that requires professional help. Encourage your loved one to seek the help of a mental health professional who specializes in treating PTSD.
Even if it might be enticing to want to try and offer your own thoughts or opinions to them, a therapist can provide effective treatment options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, which are shown to help alleviate symptoms.
The therapist can also provide support to you as a caregiver and help you better understand the condition.
Be Patient
This can be a tough one, but it’s essential to be patient when caring for someone with PTSD.
PTSD is a deeply complicated and challenging condition that requires time and patience to treat and heal. It demands a lot of energy and commitment from everyone involved to effectively move a sufferer’s life forward with positivity, too.
Patience comes due to the likelihood of there being setbacks along the way. It may take time for your loved one to open up and talk about their experiences or feel comfortable enough to seek professional help.
Be there for them and let them know that you support them in this journey.
Seek Compensation for PTSD Claims
Another way in which you can support a person with PTSD is by helping to establish a legal precedent for compensation. PTSD compensation claims are available for those who have developed PTSD due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful acts.
There are a number of parties that could responsible or liable for a PTSD case: from private citizens who could have caused an accident to employers failing to prevent injuries or even criminal acts.
As a caregiver, you may be able to help your loved one seek compensation for their PTSD while protecting them from more difficult, exposed elements of a legal case.
Lawyers are there to provide that barrier. The compensation they can secure for you can help cover the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses associated with the condition.
Take Care of Yourself
Caring for someone with PTSD can be stressful and emotionally taxing.
It is essential to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Make sure you are getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in self-care activities. Taking care of yourself will help you be better equipped to care for your loved one, too.
The National Center for PTSD found that approximately 8 million adults in the United States deal with PTSD during a given year. Another study found that PTSD affects a staggering 3.5% of the US population, alone.
Often, research has identified the increased risk of developing PTSD for people who have experienced traumatic jobs or experiences, like childhood abuse, or have served in the military.
If a loved one has this kind of background, it’s particularly important to be engaged and willing to communicate with them regularly in case they might be developing or suffering issues.
In conclusion, managing PTSD as a carer or family member can be more than a challenging experience. It’s a test of our ability to provide love in a new form, seeking – not nothing in return – but likely a lot of difficulties and personal trials.
However, by educating yourself, seeking professional help, being patient, seeking compensation for PTSD claims, and taking care of yourself, you can help support your loved one through their journey to recovery, and a bright future.