Some of the symptoms central to PTSD include re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoiding reminders of the trauma, and increased anxiety and emotional arousal. Additional symptoms include anger and irritability, guilt or self-blame, substance abuse, feelings of betrayal, depression and hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and feelings, feeling alienated and alone, and physical aches and pains.

Don’t ask a lot of questions of the person, simply be nearby in case they need you, and give them anything they need when the flashback is over. Individuals with PTSD often find it difficult to talk about their traumatic history. Give your loved one support without being too overbearing.

One very powerful relaxation technique that could be used is deep breathing exercises. Have the person breathe in for four seconds, hold their breath for four seconds, and then release their breath slowly over the course of four seconds. Have them repeat this exercise until they feel calm.

Discuss plans for the future with your loved one to help them remember that their future is wide open and not limited. Keep your promises. Being reliable will help your loved one to begin to regain trust in people. Creating a routine that you both stick to. Routines can help them to feel that they have some semblance of control in their lives. Tell them that you believe that they will recover.

Forgive your loved one when they decline to join in on family gatherings, but do not stop inviting them. Remain persistent. Let your loved one know that what they are experiencing is ok. While it might hurt you that your loved one chooses to decline your invitations to do things, you must let them know that you understand why they are feeling the way they are, and that you accept them for who they are.

For example, if your loved one feels like the traumatic experience is their fault, calmly reassure your loved one that it is not their fault. Remind them that they are being unnecessarily harsh on themselves.

Practice relaxation techniques with your loved one before they go to bed. This can include deep breathing exercises. Set the temperature to a level that your loved one is comfortable at. Cooler temperatures can help to induce sleep. Work with your loved one to figure out what temperature is most conducive for sleep. This is generally between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (18. 3 to 22. 2 degrees Celsius). [7] X Research source Have your loved one turn off all electronics for at least an hour before they get into bed.

Help your loved one to distance themselves from the upsetting situation before reacting. When you see your loved one getting upset, take them aside and tell them to go take a walk, or go to another room and take several deep breaths. Help your loved one to start journaling about their thoughts and emotions (especially anger). Journaling can help them express themselves without actually having to talk to anyone about their experience. Getting their feelings out on paper may help to reduce the likelihood of them feeling irritable when interacting with others.

Announce when you are home, or call out to them when they get home so that they know that you are there. Let them know when you are going to do something that involves a loud noise, like running the blender, or hammering a nail into a wall.

Be prepared for your loved one to want to be alone one day, but supported the next. Give your loved one what they need. Offer support in other small ways. These supportive gestures could include taking them somewhere they usually enjoy, making them their favorite dinner, or just spending some quiet time with them.

People with PTSD can also seek help in a community-based center or clinic. The longer symptoms are allowed to continue without the help of a mental health care provider, the harder it will be to change and recover from those behaviors.

You can also set up an appointment for them once your loved one has determined which therapist they would like to talk to.

Tell your loved one that you went to see a therapist. Telling them about your experience will normalize going to a psychiatrist, which may make them feel better about seeking help themselves.

Simply expressing your emotions can make the situation seem more manageable.

To find a support group, run an internet search for support groups for families of people with PTSD in your area. You can also look at community bulletin boards, or talk to a therapist about where to find support groups.

Make time to do things that you love each day. Whether that is going to see a movie, reading a book, going on a hike, or simply relaxing in a bath, set aside some time to do things that make you happy each day. Try doing yoga or meditation, both of which can help to center you and keep you refreshed.

You can also call a support line that is designed for caregivers living with someone who has PTSD. Call the National Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274. [15] X Research source

Keep in mind that these reactions are normal, and that living with someone with PTSD can be very difficult. These reactions are described in the following steps.

For example, if you do not expect your loved one to pursue treatment and go to therapy appointments, they may feel like you don’t have confidence in their ability to recover.

Remember that they are not distancing themselves because they want to hurt you, but rather because they are dealing with what has happened to them.