Coping With PTSD in Family Members

Coping With PTSD in Family Members PTSD Coping Print Dealing With PTSD in Your Family By Matthew Tull, PhD twitter Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial policy Matthew Tull, PhD Updated on February 18, 2020 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children Dann Tardif/LWA/Getty Images Coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in family members can be difficult because the effect of PTSD on the family can be great. Studies have shown that families in which a parent has PTSD are characterized by more anxiety, unhappiness, marital problems and behavioral problems among children in the family as compared to families where a parent does not have PTSD.?? This finding is not entirely surprising. PTSD symptoms can cause a person to act in ways that may be hard for family members to understand. Their behavior may appear erratic and strange or be upsetting. The Role of the Family The family can either positively or negatively impact a loved ones PTSD symptoms. The first step in living with and helping a loved one with PTSD is learning about the symptoms of PTSD and understanding how these symptoms may influence behavior. Re-Experiencing Symptoms People with PTSD sometimes relive the traumatic event, also known as re-experiencing symptoms.?? The re-experiencing symptoms of PTSD include:Frequently having upsetting thoughts or memories about a traumatic eventHaving recurrent nightmaresActing or feeling as though the traumatic event is happening again sometimes called a flashbackHaving very strong feelings of distress when reminded of the traumatic eventBeing physically responsive, such as experiencing a surge in your heart rate or sweating, when reminded of the traumatic event Thoughts and memories about a traumatic event can easily be triggered or brought up. Many things can serve as a trigger, such as certain words, sights, sounds or smells. As a result, a person with PTSD may not always appear present in the moment. Frequent thoughts may interfere with concentration or the ability to follow a conversation. In addition, because thoughts and memories about a traumatic event can easily be triggered, a person with PTSD may quickly and easily become upset. To the person without PTSD, these experiences of distress or anxiety may appear to come completely out of the blue. Some people with PTSD may also act as if the traumatic event is occurring again.? They may regard you as a completely different person. When this is happening, the person with PTSD does not necessarily know what they are doing, as they are in a dissociative state, meaning they are not functioning normally. Avoidance Symptoms Another symptom of PTSD is avoidance, which involves avoiding anything that reminds you of the traumatic event.?? Avoidance symptoms  include:Making an effort to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the traumatic eventMaking an effort to avoid places or people that remind you of the traumatic eventHaving a difficult time remembering important parts of the traumatic eventA loss of interest in important, once positive, activitiesFeeling distant from othersExperiencing difficulties having positive feelings, such as happiness or loveFeeling as though your life may be cut short Even though a person with PTSD may go out of his way to avoid certain people, places, or activities, its not because the person is no longer interested in them, its because these things somehow trigger thoughts and memories about the traumatic event. Family members may also feel as though their loved one with PTSD is emotionally cut-off or distant. This is not a personal choice on the part of the person with PTSD. People with PTSD have been found to experience something called emotional numbing. As the name implies, emotional numbing refers to the inability to have certain emotions. Emotional numbing may interfere with a persons ability to experience or express love and joy.?? Hyperarousal Symptoms Feeling keyed up, or hyperaroused is another PTSD symptom.?? Hyperarousal symptoms  include:Having a difficult time falling or staying asleepFeeling more irritable or having outbursts of angerHaving difficulty concentratingFeeling constantly on guard or like danger is lurking around every cornerBeing jumpy or easily startled If you have PTSD, you may feel as if you, and maybe your family as well, are in danger. You may be in a constant state of readiness. As a result, you may be more edgy or irritable. Some people with PTSD, especially those with PTSD due to combat, may also decide that certain places or situations are unsafe such as subways or busy, crowded places. These places or situations would then be avoided at all costs. What a Family Can Do A family can do a number of things to cope with a loved ones PTSD, including: Understand that behavior does not necessarily equal true feelings. Your loved one may want to go out with friends and family but is too afraid of running into upsetting thoughts and memories. It is important for family members to understand their loved ones symptoms and the impact of those symptoms on behavior.Know the triggers. A family also needs to be aware of their loved ones triggers. For example, if you know that the nightly news on the TV always triggers your loved ones PTSD symptoms, you may want to schedule other activities during that time so there is no way that your loved one will experience that particular trigger.Consider changing routines. Family members may also need to change their routines based on a loved ones symptoms. For example, if your loved one tends to have nightmares, try to figure out a way to wake him up without touching him. Some people with PTSD may respond as though they are being attacked.Get help. Support groups and/or couples counseling may be a goo d way to learn how to communicate with your loved one, as well as cope with PTSD symptoms.?? They may also help you find the best way to encourage your loved one to get help if he or she hasnt already. Family Support Is Crucial The symptoms of PTSD are the bodys attempt to cope with extreme stress. Recovery from PTSD can be a long and difficult road. A familys support and understanding can be invaluable in your loved ones journey to recovery.??