I am feeling really out of sorts. Today's post is from Battle Buddy Facebook post. If you click on the link above, it will take you to your facebook page. No, I do not have access to your facebook account, it is just the way facebook works. Follow a facebook link and it will assume you want to log in.
I tend to not talk about my PTSD when I meet people to begin with for the simple reason that I get a wide variety of reactions. What I didn't think about is how my PTSD affected my family. It has and does affect them. PTSD touches every aspect of my life in one way or another...for several years it ruled my life. I am thankful for counselors, family and friends (including internet friends) that have helped me in my struggle with PTSD and making it a much smaller part of my life.
I tend to not talk about my PTSD when I meet people to begin with for the simple reason that I get a wide variety of reactions. What I didn't think about is how my PTSD affected my family. It has and does affect them. PTSD touches every aspect of my life in one way or another...for several years it ruled my life. I am thankful for counselors, family and friends (including internet friends) that have helped me in my struggle with PTSD and making it a much smaller part of my life.
Common reactions of family members
Family members of a person with PTSD may experience the following:
Sympathy
You may feel sorry for your loved one's suffering. This may help your loved one know that you sympathize with him or her. However, be careful that you are not treating him or her like a permanently disabled person. With help, he or she can feel better.
Negative feelings
PTSD can make someone seem like a different person. If you believe your family member no longer has the traits you loved, it may be hard to feel good about them. The best way to avoid negative feelings is to educate yourself about PTSD. Even if your loved one refuses treatment, you will probably benefit from some support. If you care for a family member with PTSD also see Partners of Veterans with PTSD.
Avoidance
Avoidance is one of the symptoms of PTSD. Those with PTSD avoid situations and reminders of their trauma. As a family member, you may be avoiding the same things as your loved one. Or, you may be afraid of his or her reaction to certain cues. One possible solution is to do some social activities, but let your family member stay home if he or she wishes. However, he or she might be so afraid for your safety that you also can't go out. If so, seek professional help.
Depression
This is common among family members when the person with PTSD causes feelings of pain or loss. When PTSD lasts for a long time, you may begin to lose hope that your family will ever "get back to normal."
Anger and guilt
If you feel responsible for your family member's happiness, you might feel guilty when you can't make a difference. You could also be angry if he or she can't keep a job or drinks too much, or because he or she is angry or irritable. You and your loved one must get past this anger and guilt by understanding that the feelings are no one's fault.
Health problems
Everyone's bad habits, such as drinking, smoking, and not exercising, can get worse when trying to cope with their family member's PTSD symptoms. You may also develop other health problems when you're constantly worried, angry, or depressed.
Summary
Family members may feel hurt, alienated, or discouraged because your loved one has not been able to overcome the effects of the trauma. Family members frequently devote themselves totally to those they care for and, in the process, neglect their own needs.
Social support is extremely important for preventing and helping with PTSD. It is important for family members to take care of themselves; both for their own good and to help the person dealing with PTSD.
Stand with us, and help us save lives!!!
*Your donation will directly support the training and placement of a PTSD Service Dog with a veteran who needs it.*
The Battle Buddy Foundation is registered with the Ohio Sec. Of State and our 501(c)3 status is pending.
We need YOU to donate today and help us as we work to serve our injured veterans!!
Donations can be made online here:
http://
Donations can be mailed to:
8859 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd Suite 202
Olde West Chester, Oh 45069
LIKE/SHARE
Family members of a person with PTSD may experience the following:
Sympathy
You may feel sorry for your loved one's suffering. This may help your loved one know that you sympathize with him or her. However, be careful that you are not treating him or her like a permanently disabled person. With help, he or she can feel better.
Negative feelings
PTSD can make someone seem like a different person. If you believe your family member no longer has the traits you loved, it may be hard to feel good about them. The best way to avoid negative feelings is to educate yourself about PTSD. Even if your loved one refuses treatment, you will probably benefit from some support. If you care for a family member with PTSD also see Partners of Veterans with PTSD.
Avoidance
Avoidance is one of the symptoms of PTSD. Those with PTSD avoid situations and reminders of their trauma. As a family member, you may be avoiding the same things as your loved one. Or, you may be afraid of his or her reaction to certain cues. One possible solution is to do some social activities, but let your family member stay home if he or she wishes. However, he or she might be so afraid for your safety that you also can't go out. If so, seek professional help.
Depression
This is common among family members when the person with PTSD causes feelings of pain or loss. When PTSD lasts for a long time, you may begin to lose hope that your family will ever "get back to normal."
Anger and guilt
If you feel responsible for your family member's happiness, you might feel guilty when you can't make a difference. You could also be angry if he or she can't keep a job or drinks too much, or because he or she is angry or irritable. You and your loved one must get past this anger and guilt by understanding that the feelings are no one's fault.
Health problems
Everyone's bad habits, such as drinking, smoking, and not exercising, can get worse when trying to cope with their family member's PTSD symptoms. You may also develop other health problems when you're constantly worried, angry, or depressed.
Summary
Family members may feel hurt, alienated, or discouraged because your loved one has not been able to overcome the effects of the trauma. Family members frequently devote themselves totally to those they care for and, in the process, neglect their own needs.
Social support is extremely important for preventing and helping with PTSD. It is important for family members to take care of themselves; both for their own good and to help the person dealing with PTSD.
Stand with us, and help us save lives!!!
*Your donation will directly support the training and placement of a PTSD Service Dog with a veteran who needs it.*
The Battle Buddy Foundation is registered with the Ohio Sec. Of State and our 501(c)3 status is pending.
We need YOU to donate today and help us as we work to serve our injured veterans!!
Donations can be made online here:
http://
Donations can be mailed to:
8859 Cincinnati-Dayton Rd Suite 202
Olde West Chester, Oh 45069
LIKE/SHARE
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