1. PTSD in the Family
By Ryan Hachadorian

2. What is PTSD?
 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health
condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either
experiencing it or witnessing it..
 Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty
adjusting and coping for a while, but they don't have PTSD —
with time and good self-care, they usually get better. But if the
symptoms get worse, last for months or even years and
interfere with your functioning, you may have PTSD.

3. Symptoms of PTSD
 There are four main types of symptoms in PTSD…

4. 1. Reliving the event (also called re-
experiencing symptoms)
 They may have bad memories or nightmares. The sufferer also
may feel like they’re going through the event again. This is
called a flashback.

5. 2. Avoiding situations that remind you of
the event
 They may try to avoid situations or people that trigger
memories of the traumatic event. Sufferers may even avoid
talking or thinking about the event.

6. 3. Negative changes in beliefs and
feelings
 The way they think about themselves and others may change
because of the trauma. They may feel fear, guilt, or shame. Or,
they may not be interested in activities they used to enjoy. This
is another way to avoid memories.

7. 4. Feeling keyed up (also called hyper-
arousal)
 They may be jittery, or always alert and on the lookout for
danger. Or, they may have trouble concentrating or sleeping.
This is known as hyper-arousal.

8. Treatment
 There are are a few different treatment methods commonly
used for PTSD. I will go over the four main methods.

9. Cognitive therapy
 This type of talk therapy helps one recognize the ways of
thinking (cognitive patterns) that are keeping them stuck — for
example, negative or inaccurate ways of perceiving normal
situations. For PTSD, cognitive therapy is often used in
conjunction with exposure therapy.

10. Exposure therapy
 This behavioral therapy helps them safely face what they find
frightening so that they can learn to cope with it effectively.
One approach to exposure therapy uses "virtual reality"
programs that allow them to re-enter the setting in which they
experienced the traumatic event.

11. Eye movement desensitization and
reprocessing (EMDR)
 EMDR combines exposure therapy with a series of guided eye
movements that help the sufferer process traumatic memories
and change how they react to traumatic memories.

12. Medications
 Antidepressants
 These medications can help symptoms of depression and anxiety.
They can also help improve sleep problems and concentration.
 Anti-anxiety medications
 These drugs also can improve feelings of anxiety and stress for a
short time to relieve severe anxiety and related problems.
Because these medications have the potential for abuse, they are
not usually taken long term.

13. Effects of PTSD on the Family
 PTSD can make somebody hard to be with. Living with
someone who is easily startled, has nightmares, and often
avoids social situations can take a toll on even the most caring
of families. Early research on PTSD has shown the harmful
impact that PTSD can have on families.

14. Common Reactions of Family Members
 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.
The following are some of the more common reactions…

15. 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 start to
feel better.

16. 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 still probably benefit
from some support.

17. Avoidance
 Avoidance was also one of the symptoms of PTSD that was
mentioned previously. 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 try 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.

18. Anger and Guilt
 If you feel responsible for a family member's happiness, you
could also feel guilty when you can't make a difference. You
could 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.

19. What a family member can do to help
 Do things to feel strong and safe in other parts of their life, like
exercising, eating well, and volunteering.
 Talk to a friend who also has a family member that has been through
the war or other hard times. A good friend who understands and cares is
often the best medicine.
 Join a support group. It can help to be a part of a group. There are
groups that focus on PTSD in the family. Others focus on the here and
now. Still others focus on learning ways to relax.
 Talk to a professional. It may be helpful to talk to someone who is
trained and experienced in dealing with PTSD. There are proven,
effective treatments for PTSD. Your doctor can refer you to a therapist.
You can also find information on PTSD treatment from the local VA.
 Don't be afraid to ask for help. Most of all, try not to feel bad or
embarrassed to ask for help. Asking for help when you need it is a sign of
wisdom and strength.

20. Understanding anger in PTSD
 People suffering from PTSD live in a constant state of physical
and emotional stress. To make matters worse, they usually
have trouble sleeping. They are exhausted, on edge, and
physically strung out—which increases the likelihood that
they’ll overreact to situations and stressors in their day-to-day
life.

21. Tips for understanding anger…
 Watch for signs that your loved one is angry. Their face may get red, they may clench
their jaw or fists, talk louder, start pacing, or get agitated. Take steps to defuse the
situation as soon as you see the initial warning signs.
 Try to remain calm. During an emotional outburst, do your best to stay calm (or at least
pretend to be). This will communicate to your loved one that you are “safe.” It will also help
keep the situation from escalating.
 Give the person space. Don’t come closer unless asked and avoid crowding or grabbing
the person. This can make a traumatized person feel threatened.
 Ask how you can help. For example: “Do you want me to help you calm down?” or “What
can I do to help you right now?” You can also suggest a time out or change of scenery if
you think that might help.
 Put safety first. If the person gets more upset despite your attempts to calm him or her
down, stop what you’re doing and go for help. Leave the house or lock yourself in a room
if necessary. Call 911 immediately if you fear that your loved one may hurt himself or
others.

22. Conclusion
 Having a family member that is suffering with PTSD can be a
constant battle. You have to understand that it is not something
that the person chose or can control. Often military personnel
are taught not to be vulnerable or weak which can make it hard
for them to deal with a disease like PTSD. With the right
support and education PTSD can be managed.

23. Resources for family members…
 The National Domestic Violence Hotline
 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
 The Veterans Crisis Line
 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
 The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
 The VA Caregiver Support program
 1-855-260-3274