When someone close to us goes through a traumatic experience, especially one that involves physical harm, they can come away with emotional wounds that aren’t as visible as the physical ones. For many, the aftermath of trauma includes navigating life with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re a family member or friend of someone who’s grappling with PTSD, your support can be a powerful force in their journey toward healing.
Understanding PTSD after Physical Trauma
PTSD can show up in many ways after a physical trauma like a car accident, an assault, or a serious injury. The person might struggle with vivid flashbacks, nightmares, or feel on edge all the time. They may avoid anything that reminds them of what happened, and sometimes, even getting through the day can feel overwhelming. If this sounds intense, that’s because it is. Research shows that PTSD can make people feel as if they’re reliving the trauma over and over, which is understandably exhausting (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Not only is PTSD hard on mental health, but it can affect physical well-being too. People with PTSD often deal with physical symptoms like chronic pain or fatigue, adding another layer to their healing journey (Pacella et al., 2013). This all means that when we support someone with PTSD, we need to remember it’s not just about emotional support but helping them find stability in every part of their life.
How Family and Friends Can Be There
1. Get Curious, Get Educated
It’s easy to feel at a loss when a loved one has PTSD, but knowing more about what they’re going through can make a huge difference. Try reading up on PTSD, including the common symptoms and treatment options. There are many great resources out there, and understanding the disorder helps us be more patient and understanding when things get tough. Studies show that when family members understand PTSD better, the person dealing with it feels more understood and supported (Meiser-Stedman et al., 2017).
2. Be Present, Patient, and Real
Sometimes, the best thing we can do is just be there. Show up consistently and listen without trying to “fix” things. Simple gestures, like being there to sit in silence or listen to how they’re feeling, can be incredibly comforting. Validation is a powerful tool. Just acknowledging that their trauma has had a lasting impact can help them feel less alone (Pietrzak et al., 2010).
3. Encourage Professional Help—Gently
PTSD is complex, and professional support from a therapist is often a big part of recovery. But sometimes, people are hesitant to take that step. Family and friends can gently encourage therapy or counseling without pushing. Research has shown that treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are effective for PTSD, helping people reframe their experience and find tools to cope with symptoms (Cusack et al., 2016). If they aren’t ready yet, just let them know you support them whenever they are.
4. Help Create a Routine and Support Small Wins
PTSD can make even the simplest routines feel challenging. You can help by encouraging small daily goals or inviting them to join you in activities that are comforting. Something as simple as a daily walk, a favorite hobby, or cooking a meal together can help establish a bit of normalcy and provide a break from the constant stress. Studies indicate that physical activity, like a simple walk or stretching, can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms by helping manage stress (Rosenbaum et al., 2015).
5. Identify Triggers and Build Safe Spaces
People with PTSD often have certain triggers that remind them of their trauma. Whether it’s a sound, a place, or even a specific topic, these triggers can bring up intense emotions. It’s helpful to learn what these triggers are together and work on avoiding them when possible. If they can’t be avoided, helping them use grounding techniques, like taking deep breaths or focusing on something safe and calming, can be effective (Foa et al., 2019). Creating a sense of safety, whether at home or in shared spaces, can help them feel supported.
6. Celebrate Progress, No Matter How Small
Recovery from PTSD isn’t usually a straightforward path, and it can have its ups and downs. Family and friends can provide essential motivation by celebrating even the smallest steps forward. Did they sleep better than usual? Did they open up about their experience? These are all steps worth celebrating, as each little victory builds their resilience and reminds them of the progress they’re making.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
When supporting someone with PTSD, it’s also essential to know what might not be helpful.
- Avoid Minimizing: Saying things like, “Just move on,” or “It could be worse,” can make them feel misunderstood. Instead, just acknowledge the weight of their experience without judgment.
- Don’t Push for Details: Some people may want to talk about their trauma, but others don’t. Let them share when they’re ready, on their own terms.
- It’s Not About You: If they’re irritable, withdrawn, or seem to be pushing you away, remember it’s likely their symptoms, not a personal rejection. Try to respond with understanding and patience.
Family and Friends: An Essential Part of Healing
Supporting someone with PTSD after physical trauma is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With empathy, patience, and consistency, family and friends can help the person find stability, safety, and hope. Our role isn’t to have all the answers but to be a source of compassion and to create a supportive environment. Research has shown that recovery often happens in connection with others, where people can rely on a trusted support system (Pietrzak et al., 2010).
Recovery is possible, even if the journey is winding. As we show up for our loved ones, we remind them they are not defined by their trauma. With time, support, and care, they can begin to rebuild and rediscover joy, one day at a time.
Academic References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
- Cusack, K., Jonas, D. E., Forneris, C. A., Wines, C., Sonis, J. H., Middleton, J. C., … & Helfand, M. (2016). Psychological treatments for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 43, 128-141.
- Foa, E. B., McLean, C. P., Zang, Y., Rosenfield, D., Yadin, E., Yarvis, J. S., … & Dondanville, K. A. (2019). Effect of prolonged exposure therapy delivered over varying intensities on PTSD symptom severity in active duty military personnel. JAMA, 321(4), 354-364.
- Meiser-Stedman, R., Smith, P., Glucksman, E., Yule, W., & Dalgleish, T. (2017). The posttraumatic cognitions inventory (PTCI) in children and adolescents: A closer look. Psychological Assessment, 19(1), 69-79.
- Pacella, M. L., Hruska, B., & Delahanty, D. L. (2013). The physical health consequences of PTSD and PTSD symptoms: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 27(1), 33-46.
- Pietrzak, R. H., Johnson, D. C., Goldstein, M. B., Malley, J. C., & Southwick, S. M. (2010). Psychological resilience and postdeployment social support protect against traumatic stress and depressive symptoms in soldiers returning from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Depression and Anxiety, 27(8), 743-750.
- Rosenbaum, S., Sherrington, C., & Tiedemann, A. (2015). Exercise augmentation compared with usual care for post-traumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 131(3), 229-239.
Supporting someone with PTSD takes patience and compassion, and it can make all the difference as they find their way back to peace and resilience.
Peace and light
Calantha