June 27th is International PTSD Awareness Day! 

This day offers us a chance to raise awareness, spread compassion and support people suffering from PTSD. 

Understanding PTSD

People often develop PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This event might endanger their life or severely impact their physical, mental, or spiritual health. PTSD has no age range and can affect anybody. Those suffering from PTSD experience strong, persistent thoughts and feelings related to a past event that can last for a long time and disrupt and distress everyday functioning.

Stress reactions associated with PTSD include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Shame or Embarrassment
• Guilt
• Flashbacks or nightmares.
• Avoiding activities, places, and circumstances associated with the traumatic incident.

Causes

Some traumatic events that can cause PTSD include:

• Serious road accidents
• Physical assault
• Bullying
• Sexual Assault
• Childbirth experiences

Characteristic Symptoms

The core symptoms of PTSD include fear and helplessness ganged with abrupt, strong memories of the traumatic incident, commonly referred to as "flashbacks." People suffering from PTSD can suffer from loss of focus, nightmares, avoidance of anything associated with the trauma, and uncontrollable emotions.

While awareness is crucial, action is essential. On this day, we acknowledge the vital role of friends and family in the lives of individuals with PTSD and other related conditions. 

How to Offer Support

1. Educate Yourself

Understanding PTSD is the first step in helping someone who has it. Learn about its signs, symptoms, causes, and available treatments. Knowledge is a powerful tool for offering meaningful assistance. Your family's ability to manage PTSD will improve with increased knowledge.

2. Be Kind and Patient

People with PTSD may struggle with various aspects of daily life. It's crucial to be patient and empathetic. Pushing them to "move on" or discuss their experiences before they're ready can do more harm than good. Ensure they understand that you are willing to listen or if it isn't the right time to talk.

3. Encourage Professional Help

Encourage individuals with PTSD to seek professional help. Support groups, therapists, and counsellors can provide the resources and coping techniques required to heal from a traumatic memory. You can support them by assisting with medication and therapy records. Evidence-based therapies like CBT and EMDR, as well as medications prescribed by mental health professionals can help PTSD patients.

4. Create a Safe Environment

Help establish a secure and supportive environment. This might involve staying away from triggers, reassurance support, and listening with an open mind. Arrange family-friendly activities like a dinner, a movie, a bike ride or a walk. Physical exercise for mental clarity and overall health can improve the state of mind of anybody suffering from PTSD. Promote communication with close friends and relatives. A support system helps your loved one cope with challenging situations and stressful periods.

5. Support Self-Care

Encourage activities like fitness, meditation and hobbies that promote well-being. Self-care is a critical aspect of managing PTSD symptoms. Take care of your stress too. The more relaxed, attentive, and composed you are, the better you'll be able to support your loved one.

6. Let Your Loved One Take the Lead

Let your loved ones help you. PTSD is of different types and caused due to various reasons, but some people instinctively know what makes them feel calm and safe. Take cues from your loved one on how you can be the best provider of support and companionship.

Conclusion

By understanding PTSD and offering compassionate support, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. Let's use this PTSD Awareness Day as a reminder to spread awareness, show empathy, and take action. Together, we can create a more supportive and understanding community for everyone