Houston Psychiatrist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Book Appointment
  • Staff
  • Online Psychiatry
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Appointments & Fees
  • Office Policies
  • Forms
  • Services
    • Houston Ketamine Therapy
    • Cypress Texas Psychiatrist
    • Therapy Houston

Psychiatry Blog

Discussing topics like how to find a psychiatrist, psychiatrist vs. counselor, what is psychotherapy, and much more.


​Our blog is meant to provide information and answers to common questions in psychiatry, cognitive behavioral therapy, mental illness, mental health professionals, talk therapy, psychologists, substance abuse, and anything else that would be helpful to those seeking mental health information. Knowing how to find a good psychiatrist, and what a licensed psychiatrist is will help you in your search.

How To Help Someone With PTSD?

3/10/2021

0 Comments

 
how to help someone with ptsd
When someone you care for suffers from mental health issues like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), it can become overwhelming for you as well. Thankfully there are effective treatment options available for PTSD.  You may be wondering how to help someone with PTSD? Your actions can definitely help your loved one overcome symptoms of PTSD and live a happy and healthy life. 
​

​Provide Social Support

It is very common for patients with PTSD to withdraw from social life. They might feel ashamed and prefer to avoid being a burden on others.

It is important for you to respect the emotional and physical boundaries set by the effected individual. Your care and support can definitely help him/her overcome negative feelings of grief, helplessness, and despair but it is also important to not overwhelm them. 

You can encourage the person to pursue hobbies, seek out friends, and participate in activities that he/she likes such as singing, swimming, and rock climbing. This would enable the patient to forget the traumatic event by diverting his/her mind to pleasant activities
​

​Be a Listener

Never push a patient with PTSD to talk. You should, instead, be ready to listen without judgments and expectations. 

Make it clear to your loved one that you care and are interested in listening to his/her experience.  It is the act of listening that would be helpful to your loved one. Don't be quick to offer advice.
​

Rebuild Safety and Trust 

A traumatic event may alter the way your loved one sees the world. It might make the world seem like a frightening and dangerous place for that person. It may also damage his/her ability to trust others. 

Rebuilding trust can instill a sense of security, in such cases, and contribute to faster recovery.  You can express your commitment to your loved one to help him/her feel secure. Creating a predictable routine can also help to restore a sense of security and stability to patients with PTSD and help them regain their confidence.
​

​Anticipate Triggers

Any trigger including a person, thing, place, or situation which reminds the patient of the trauma could set off the symptoms of PTSD.  Sometimes, the triggers are obvious. In some cases, it might take you time to identify the triggers.

Careful observation of the pattern of symptoms would help to identify the possible triggers. Identifying such triggers and avoiding them can help the patient prevent outbursts of negative emotions and support recovery. 

Common PTSD triggers include: 
  • People, locations, and things that recall the unpleasant memories
  • The sight, sound, or smell associated with the traumatic event
  • Significant times and dates, such as anniversaries 
  • Media coverage about the traumatic event 
Trying to remain calm and composed during an emotional outburst and communicating to the patient that he/she is “safe” would help the situation from escalating.

Conclusion
It takes time for a person with PTSD to overcome the difficult emotions brought about by the traumatic experience. However, continuous support and care by loved ones can help him or her get rid of the symptoms and live a happy and normal life. 
​
Seeking appropriate treatment including medications and counseling, when necessary, are also critical when helping your loved one recover faster. 
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    January 2022
    December 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    April 2020
    February 2016
    September 2015

    Categories

    All
    Addiction
    ADHD
    Anxiety
    Binge Eating
    Counseling
    Depression
    Genetic Testing
    Houston Psychiatrist
    OCD
    Online Psychiatry
    Psychiatry
    PTSD

    RSS Feed

Online Psychiatrist in Texas and In-Person Psychiatrist Houston TX


Houston Psychiatrist Consultation Hours

M-Th: 8am-6pm
F: 8am-12:00pm

Telephone

281-849-4080
Fax

281-849-4080

Address

12247 Queenston Blvd., Suite D
Houston, TX 77095 
  • Psychiatrist
  • Book Appointment
  • Staff
  • Online Psychiatry
  • Blog
  • Resources
  • Appointments & Fees
  • Office Policies
  • Forms
  • Services
    • Houston Ketamine Therapy
    • Cypress Texas Psychiatrist
    • Therapy Houston