Helping Someone You Care About Through Trauma & Symptoms of PTSI/PTSD

When someone you care about is experiencing post-traumatic stress injury or disorder (PTSI/PTSD), it can be challenging to know how best to support them. PTSD can develop after exposure to distressing or overwhelming events, and while experiences vary from person to person, common effects include heightened stress responses, difficulty with sleep, changes in mood, and avoidance of reminders of the event.

Your support can make a meaningful difference in their well-being and recovery. While professional treatment is often an important part of managing PTSD, family, friends, and colleagues can play a vital role in providing understanding, patience, and encouragement.

Understanding PTSD: What to Keep in Mind

PTSD is a natural response to highly stressful or traumatic events. It is not a sign of weakness, nor is it something a person can simply "get over." Individuals with PTSD may experience:

• Heightened alertness or feeling on edge: They may startle easily or feel a need to be constantly aware of their surroundings.

• Changes in mood or emotions: This can include difficulty feeling joy, experiencing frustration more easily, or feeling emotionally distant.

• Intrusive thoughts or memories: Vivid memories or distressing dreams may arise unexpectedly.

• Avoidance behaviours: The person may steer clear of certain places, situations, or conversations that remind them of what they experienced.

While these reactions can be distressing, healing is possible with the right support and coping strategies.

How You Can Offer Support

1. Listen Without Judgment

One of the most powerful things you can do is simply listen and be present. If your loved one chooses to share their experience, offer a supportive, non-judgmental space.

• Validate their feelings: Instead of saying, "That doesn’t sound so bad," try, "That sounds really difficult. I’m here for you."

• Let them set the pace: Avoid pressuring them to talk about their experiences if they’re not ready.

• Be patient: Recovery takes time, and healing doesn’t follow a straight path.

Sometimes, just knowing someone is willing to listen without trying to "fix" things can be incredibly reassuring.

2. Learn About PTSD

Educating yourself about PTSD can help you better understand what your loved one is going through. This knowledge can also help you avoid common misconceptions, such as assuming PTSD is only related to military service—it can develop after any distressing experience, including accidents, natural disasters, or workplace events.

When you understand PTSD, you can provide more effective and informed support.

3. Offer Practical Support

Sometimes, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming for someone managing PTSD. Offering small, practical forms of support can make a difference.

• Help with daily responsibilities: Simple tasks like preparing a meal or running an errand can be a relief.

• Encourage self-care: Gentle reminders about sleep, nutrition, and movement can support well-being.

• Respect their boundaries: Some days, they may need space. Let them know you’re available without pressure.

Rather than asking, "What do you need?"—which can feel overwhelming—try saying, "I made an extra portion of dinner tonight if you'd like some."

4. Be Mindful of Triggers

Certain sounds, places, or situations can remind someone of what they’ve been through, leading to a stress response. While it’s not always possible to predict or prevent triggers, being mindful of them can help.

• Ask what they find helpful: Some people may prefer advance notice before discussing certain topics.

• Give space if needed: If they seem overwhelmed, it’s okay to offer a quiet moment without needing immediate conversation.

• Avoid surprise interactions: Loud noises, unexpected touch, or sudden changes in environment can sometimes be difficult.

Respecting how they navigate their environment shows care and understanding.

5. Encourage Professional Support, But Don’t Push

Many people benefit from professional support, whether through therapy, peer support groups, or specialized programs. However, the decision to seek help is personal.

• Normalize seeking support: Instead of saying, "You need help," try, "There are people trained to help with this. If you ever want to explore that, I can support you."

• Share resources if they’re open to it: Organizations like Homewood Health, CMHA, or provincial health programs offer PTSD-focused support.

• Recognize that healing is a process: There is no single "right" way to recover, and different approaches work for different people.

Encouragement without pressure allows them to explore support options at their own pace.

6. Take Care of Yourself, Too

Supporting someone with PTSD can sometimes feel emotionally demanding. It’s important to care for your own well-being so that you can continue to provide meaningful support.

• Set healthy boundaries: Supporting someone does not mean neglecting your own needs.

• Talk to someone you trust: Whether a friend, mentor, or professional, having your own support system matters.

• Engage in self-care: Activities that help you recharge—such as exercise, hobbies, or relaxation—are essential.

Caring for yourself is not selfish—it ensures you can be a steady source of support for your loved one.

Support, Understanding, and Patience Matter

When someone you care about is experiencing PTSD, your support can be an anchor in their healing process. By listening without judgment, being patient, offering practical help, and encouraging self-care, you create a safe and understanding space for them.

Recovery is a journey, and compassionate, informed support can make all the difference. Even if you don’t have all the answers, simply being there and showing that you care is one of the most powerful things you can do.