How to help someone with PTSD isn't always that straightforward.
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Supporting PTSD recovery is crucial for those who have gone through traumatic experiences, or who are still suffering from trauma.
You might feel compelled to help others while also dealing with the symptoms of trauma or PTSD yourself. Providing support to others can be a part of your own healing process or become a chosen vocation.
How to help someone with PTSD isn't always that straightforward.
However, the journey of supporting PTSD recovery can be complex and challenging. There are certainly pitfalls, breakdowns, and breakthroughs in the process of learning, growing, and processing one’s own traumas, particularly by opening up and working with others.
Sharing of Trauma-Related Content on Social Media: How To Help Someone With PTSD
One of the dangers of how to help someone with PTSD is the tendency to talk and act out of your own belief systems. When you suffer from PTSD, you identify with content, videos, or images that represent that suffering. However, the danger begins when we promote content that can lead to reinforcing the very suffering we attempt to heal, which is a contraindication.
It is important to be selective about what information you choose to share in person and on social media and other platforms. While it may be tempting to share stories, images, or videos that depict traumatic experiences, consider the impact that this can have on others who may be struggling with PTSD.
How To Help Someone With PTSD: Promoting Resilience
One of the key goals of how to help someone with PTSD is to promote resilience.
Giving validation is important as it makes you feel listened to. The danger here might be that you can easily affirm a particular state of mind and strengthen identification with that mindset. What you want to works towards is changing perspective. Balancing out validation with changing perspective can help others move towards balancing out their adaptation survival responses.
Self-care practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, can also be incredibly beneficial. These practices can help you develop emotional regulation skills, so that they are better able to manage the symptoms of PTSD.
How to Help Someone with PTSD on Their Journey
There are many ways that we can support others on their journey. This can include offering a listening ear, providing emotional support, and connecting them with resources such as therapy and support groups.
It is also important to be aware of the signs of PTSD, so that we can recognize when someone is struggling and offer them support. These signs can include flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of guilt or shame.
It is important to remember that recovery is a journey and not a destination. Be patient and supportive, and to offer encouragement and hope.
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