PTSD: How to Help Our Loved Ones Recover from Traumatic Experiences
America has over 1.3 million troops ready for combat at moments noticed. Stationed not only across the country but around the world, our troops have all been through some of the roughest times a person could probably experience – all to protect our freedom. Many soldiers, around 31%, return home with mental problems stemming from the stress and images they have seen while fighting the good fight. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has played a huge role in the need to help our soldiers recover from the demons that haunt their minds. Today, we will take a look at PTSD and how we might help those recover and find peace.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It’s important to note anyone can develop PTSD, not just soldiers. War veterans brought PTSD into the public eye when many soldiers returned in altered states. Most people who suffer from PTSD, experience intense feelings of distress when reminded of the incident, as well as flashbacks, nightmares, becoming emotionally numb, and much more. These symptoms can follow a person throughout the rest of their life, and without being treated properly, it can cause a serious disconnection from the world. PTSD can manifest in many of the following ways: emotional symptoms, physical symptoms, and short/long-term effects.
How to Help a Loved One
It’s important to understand how your loved one is feeling and the root of their PTSD. If they have not been open with you, it might be important to seek professional help. Encourage your loved one to seek counseling from experts who can help find the cause of the PTSD. Stay positive and remember to motivate and encourage your loved one by helping them put their emotions into words. Look for support groups of PTSD in your area; that can help the person find the right support group. Be sure to help keep your acquaintance away from drug or alcohol use which can make PTSD worse. There are also medications that can be prescribed to those with PTSD to help with depression and anxiety.
Get outside and be active; get your loved one’s mind off the past and look towards the bright future. Go for a hike or a swim, enjoy what the world has to offer and don’t slow down. We hope these tips can help you or a loved one fight back against PTSD. For further help, please call 1-866-458-5780.
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