Supporting a loved one with PTSD

Having the support of loved ones matters in PTSD recovery

You've taken a great step in supporting a loved one with PTSD. You may be interested in learning more about PTSD, PTSD treatment options, or how to support your loved one during treatment.

How to help your loved one navigate PTSD

You may be looking at this decision aid because a loved one with PTSD is already seeking treatment and has asked you to review this information with them. Or you might be here because you think a loved one would benefit from PTSD treatment that they haven't sought out yet.

Either way, you can use this website to learn more about PTSD, view detailed information about treatment options, or compare different options side-by-side.

It can be very helpful to someone with PTSD to know that they have the support of a loved one as they navigate the process of deciding on a treatment. It can be overwhelming for some people to consider treatment. Knowing they have your support and that there are good options available can be encouraging. You don't need to make the decision about your loved one's treatment; a clinician can help them make the final choice of which treatment will be the best fit.

What to do next

Supporting your loved one to seek care and consider treatment options

If your loved one is ready to choose a treatment, you can help by letting them know you’re happy to talk through the different options. Your loved one should know that they have a say in what type of treatment they receive, and they can share their preferences with their clinician. Your loved one’s voice matters to treatment!

There are many ways that you can support them through treatment. For instance, you can help with logistics, like calling to make an appointment. You can offer to go to clinician visits with your loved one. You might help them track questions they’d like to have answered about treatment and take notes on the answers. Together you can make note of their symptoms and what goals they have for treatment. You can let them know you want to listen when they want to talk.

In some cases, people with PTSD will want to keep information about their trauma experience or their treatment private. The best way you can support them is by respecting what they are willing to share and offering to listen if they want that. It’s not necessary to share everything for treatment to be helpful. Not wanting to spend time with people can be a symptom of PTSD. It can be helpful to give your loved one space but also let them know that you’re ready to support them when they want to connect.

What if your loved one chooses no treatment? Or a treatment that you don’t agree is the right one?

Many people have misconceptions about what PTSD treatment is like. If you learn about what is available and what to expect in treatment, that may help your loved one be more comfortable with the idea. But ultimately, treatment for PTSD has to be the choice of the person with PTSD.

Be understanding: Often, it takes more than one conversation for someone to accept that they may need treatment. You can revisit this conversation at a later time, when they may be more open to the discussion. In the meantime, it’s important to take care of yourself.

How to Help Yourself

Taking care of yourself is an important part of caring for your loved one. If your needs are met, you will be a stronger source of support for them.

What to do for self-care

Self-care can look different for everyone.

It may be helpful to have close family or friends you can talk to, or you may want to join a support group where you can talk with people who are having similar experiences.

It can be helpful to keep doing things you enjoy, like spending time with friends or participating in activities.

Taking care of your own health is important, too. Getting plenty of sleep, exercising regularly, and eating well will help you manage stress and stay healthy!