I Think My Loved One Has PTSD: What Can I Do?

Are you noticing a negative change in your loved one’s behaviours, mood, and even in the way they relate to others?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after someone experiences a life-threatening or terrifying event. Symptoms of unresolved conflict in the psyche may lead to flashbacks, nightmares, self-destructive behaviours, hypervigilance, being easily startled, and emotional numbness. Some people living with PTSD also experience panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and depression.

PTSD is different from complex PTSD (C-PTSD). While PTSD often results from a single traumatic event, C-PTSD can develop from a series of experiences, like ongoing childhood trauma or abusive relationships. 

These can lead to challenges with managing emotions, a distorted view of oneself, and persistent feelings of shame. Just like those with PTSD, individuals with C-PTSD may also struggle with self-destructive behaviors and find it hard to maintain healthy relationships with their loved ones.

If you suspect PTSD could be at the root of what your loved one is going through, read on, as our experts at VP MindCare explain how you can be supportive, all while keeping your well-being in mind as well.

How you can help: start with a non-accusatory conversation

If you suspect your partner has PTSD, approach the subject gently. Avoid pathologizing language or blame. For example, instead of saying, “You're always overreacting,” keep a non-accusatory tone in mind: “I’ve noticed you seem really overwhelmed lately, and I was wondering if something deeper might be going on.”

Because trauma engages the fight-or-flight response, people living with PTSD often struggle with a chronic feeling that they aren’t safe, making criticism even harsher to handle, especially when they are experiencing symptoms.

Support them — but don’t sacrifice yourself

While compassion is key, it’s also essential to set boundaries. It can be tough to see someone struggling, especially after a traumatic event, but overextending yourself doesn’t help you or your loved ones. Like any other condition, PTSD requires treatment.

If you’re dealing with outbursts, withdrawal, or emotional unpredictability, recognize the toll it takes. Case in point: A study that looked at how partners of individuals with untreated PTSD often experience symptoms of secondary trauma and may also develop anxiety and depression.

Loving someone with PTSD doesn’t mean accepting emotional neglect or psychological abuse. 

Instead, we can support them in seeking treatment and protect our boundaries if they choose not to, fully recognizing that untreated PTSD can cause secondary trauma.

Learn more about PTSD treatment

For PTSD, there are many options for treatment. Some do well with psychotherapy, while others may also need medications to regulate mood and lessen anxiety. 

A study looking at over 10,000 people diagnosed with PTSD highlighted that trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were particularly effective in reducing symptoms. However, for that to happen, it’s very important for PTSD sufferers to take the first step, which is their choice to make.

Psychotherapy can also be very effective in helping people who are in close relationships with someone with PTSD manage the stress.

Whether you need more support or would like to recommend our services to a loved one, you can learn more about our approach by contacting us to schedule an appointment at our office, located in Anchorage, Alaska. Our compassionate team offers both psychotherapy and medications for the treatment of PTSD.