How to help someone with PTSD
Q: A close friend rode out Hurricane Ian in Florida last year and it seems that he’s struggling now. He’s angry and jumpy, while being numb to what’s happening around him. He told me he’s not sleeping well, especially when another hurricane is in the news. Is it possible that he has PTSD? I’m not sure how to offer support. A:
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, doesn’t just happen to combat soldiers. It’s a natural response to trauma and happens when the nervous system, which is designed to protect you from danger, gets stuck in the fight-orflight response.
People may develop PTSD when they experience, see or learn about a shocking event involving violence, threatened death or serious injury. Natural disasters, like hurricanes, can also trigger PTSD.
Other common events that cause PTSD symptoms include accidents, being threatened with a weapon, abuse or receiving a life-threatening medical diagnosis.
SYMPTOMS
Some people experience distressing symptoms for a short period after a traumatic event but get better with time. For others, symptoms worsen over time and interfere with daily activities and relationships.
Symptoms are grouped into four categories.
Intrusive thoughts:
Recurrent and unwanted memories of the traumatic event can cause significant emotional distress or physical reactions. The person may have nightmares or flashbacks, which is reliving the traumatic event.
Avoidance: People with PTSD may avoid discussing the event or steer clear of places, activities or people that remind them
Mood and thought disturbances:
This category of symptoms can mirror depression, with people experiencing hopelessness, negative thoughts, detachment from loved ones, lack of interest in activities, emotional numbness and relationship difficulties.
Reactivity: These symptoms include being easily startled, always on guard for danger and feeling overwhelming guilt or shame. The person may be irritable or have angry outbursts. They could have trouble sleeping or concentrating and engage in self-destructive behaviors like drinking too much or taking illicit drugs.
TREATMENT
PTSD is treatable, and many people manage it well. Some protective factors are especially helpful during recovery, including having positive support from friends.
Certain treatments calm the nervous system and help people regain control over physical responses to triggers. These tactics help the person have an automatic physical response to tell their body that a perceived threat isn’t accurate. Examples include grounding techniques and breath awareness. . For example, short and shallow breaths can be signs of the nervous system reacting to a trigger. Through treatment, people can identify this reaction and learn to take slow breaths, calming physical reactions.
Cognitive processing therapy can help your friend challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. Finally, medications may be helpful when used with other treatment options.
POSITIVE SUPPORT
Talk with your friend. Focus on your observations of his behaviors before and after the hurricane. Listen without judgment and don’t minimize his feelings. Suggest that he seek professional help to have his symptoms evaluated.
Lastly, learn more about PTSD to get a grasp of what he is going through. Remember that each person’s reaction to a traumatic event is valid, and his trauma shouldn’t be compared to another’s as “better” or “worse.”
PTSD isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a normal response to traumatic events. With the right treatment, your friend can learn to manage symptoms and regain control.