How to Help People With PTSD

[JonSnow]

Even though PTSD is a temporary condition that heals with time, in some people it can be a chronic condition. If you have someone with PTSD in your family, you need to encourage them to take professional help such as visiting psychiatrist or psychologists.

If you have someone with PTSD in your family, never tell them things like get over it, you are overreacting, you are too sensitive, there are people who have be through worse, etc. Positive affirmations will make their conditions worse. Never tell them things like that that happened a long time ago, that was not too bad, someone had been through the same experience and he got over it, you have to face your fears, etc.

 

[Ciri]

I agree with most of the things said here. You did not live that experience, so how can you be so thoughtless to tell someone with PTSD that other people have also gone through the same thing, or that happened a long time ago. Unless, you have also experienced PTSD, you have no rights to say, you are over reacting.

 

[ZandraJoi]

People tend to associate PTSD with war vets. But it can happen to anybody, triggered by anything. Just because you weren't in a war, does not mean you cannot be affected by trauma.
The ways to help someone is to honestly, just be there for them. Don't push. Don't patronize. Love the person even if you don't love the actions (the anxiety, stress, mood swings). Just be there!

 

[BrighterDays]

Supporting someone with PTSD really comes down to patience, understanding, and creating a safe space for them. Triggers can be unpredictable, and sometimes, they might not even fully understand their own reactions. The best thing you can do is listen without judgment, validate their feelings, and avoid pushing them to "just move on" or "get over it." Healing isn’t linear, and what helps one person might not help another.

Small things, like checking in without pressure, learning their triggers (if they’re open to sharing), and encouraging them to seek professional help if they’re struggling, can make a huge difference. Also, being mindful of your own well-being is important. Supporting someone through PTSD can be heavy, so having your own support system helps too.