What Do You Say to Someone Who Has PTSD?
It’s not as complicated as you may think!
“Trauma is perhaps the most avoided, belittled, denied, misunderstood, and untreated cause of human suffering.”
Dr. Peter Levine
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) profoundly impacts not only the survivor but also their family and friends. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when a loved one experiences symptoms of PTSD. It’s easy to feel helpless and defeated. However, you’re not helpless — there’s much you can say and do.
Try to learn as much as you can about the symptoms and behaviors associated with PTSD. You don’t need to become an expert, but gaining a basic understanding of what trauma entails will help you provide better support to them. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a good resource. You can make a huge difference in their healing process.
If you’re unsure of what to say or whether you should say anything at all, here are three simple suggestions to consider:
“I hear you.”
Start by letting the survivor know you’re willing to listen. Be an active listener. Yet, be mindful not to push them to talk, even if what they say doesn’t make sense. To them, it does, and what they are experiencing is real.
