Loving someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) isn’t always easy, especially if they resist professional assistance or intervention.

When Someone With PTSD Doesn’t Want Help

As part of PTSD Awareness Month, the Brian Injury Alliance is exploring more complex topics around managing PTSD in daily living.

There have been incredible advancements in treatment and management of PTSD. However, none of the progress in modalities, availability, and affordability for relief from PTSD feels like it matters if the person you love who is struggling with PTSD won’t accept or does not want help.

Loving someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) isn’t always easy, especially if they resist professional assistance or intervention.

Their resistance can be challenging for both the caregiver and their loved ones, who likely want nothing more than to return to their life before PTSD showed up as an unwelcome intrusion. Despite frustrations and setbacks, there are several things you can do.

First, understanding the range of symptoms accompanying PTSD and the individual’s unique triggers. PTSD is a condition that can affect individuals who have lived through or witnessed a traumatic event, and it can cause:

Changes in behavior: PTSD can cause individuals to become withdrawn, irritable, or easily startled. They may also avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event.

Flashbacks and nightmares: They may relive the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares, as well as have vivid memories that are triggered by certain sights, sounds, or smells.

Hyperarousal: Survivors may have an exaggerated startle response and be easily agitated or upset. They may also have difficulty sleeping or have trouble concentrating.

Avoidance: They may avoid situations or people that remind them of the traumatic event, causing them to withdraw from social activities or isolate themselves.

Once you recognize these symptoms and what triggers your loved one, there are several things you can do:

Avoid triggering situations: Avoid situations or conversations that may trigger their symptoms. If you must discuss a difficult topic, do so in a calm and supportive manner.

Be patient and understanding: Individuals with PTSD may have difficulty expressing their emotions or controlling their reactions. Be patient with them and try to understand their experiences. The seemingly ordinary things of everyday living they once found enjoyable, like a visit to a crowded, noisy restaurant, may now be a source of pain and anxiety.

Educate yourself: Learn more about PTSD and its symptoms. This can help you better understand what the individual is going through and how best to support them.

Provide support: Offer to listen to them and provide emotional support. Let them know you are there to help them if needed.

Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with PTSD can be emotionally taxing. In addition to the tried-and-true advice to take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities you enjoy, make sure you have things in your life, a hobby or social activity just for you.

Your grief and loss matter: Take time to process your complex grief and loss. Caregivers are notorious for making light of the big and little sacrifices that they make. 

Carrie Collins, CEO of the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona, wants to remind everyone that when providing care and support for loved ones with PTSD, it is not a road that anyone needs to travel alone.  “Even if the person you love is resistant to treatment, there are still a variety of supports and services for the caregiver and the family. Sometimes the best thing you can do when someone chooses to go without treatment is to stay healthy and resilient yourself.”

PTSD alters the quality of life for an individual and often impacts the routine, schedules, and freedoms of those around them if they are relied upon to be part of the care team. However, when you look at all of the things that can impact your brain health, from injury to disease, PTSD is comparatively treatable.  Treatment can range from therapies to medication and often combines both based on individual preferences and responses.

The entry point for many is looking at treatment options. Treatment can be anything from; art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, neurofeedback, and medication. The team at the Brain Injury Alliance is always available to help you sort out treatment options.  It’s also critical to rule out a co-occurring traumatic brain Injury (TBI) that could complicate or cause a lack of response to PTSD treatment.

While helping someone resistant to trusting in or seeking professional help can be complex and feel daunting for those who love them, there are some tried and true starting points that caregivers and family members who have been there and done that recommend:

Listen and validate the experiences: Let them know that you understand and acknowledge their difficulties. This can increase their trust and willingness to open up about their experiences. Caregivers should also talk to someone who validates their experience and the difficulties they are encountering.

Educate them about PTSD: This can help them better understand the condition and may help reduce fears or misconceptions about seeking professional help.

Share your own experiences: If you have had similar experiences or know someone who has, share your insights and experiences with them. This can help them feel less alone and more understood.

Offer to accompany them: This can help reduce their anxiety and make it easier for them to take that first step.

Explore alternative therapies: For example, meditation, yoga, or art therapy may be more appealing to some individuals and work in conjunction with Western medicine and treatment.

Encourage self-help resources: Books, online resources, and support groups can provide insights into PTSD and direct them to additional support.

Be patient and supportive: Supporting someone with PTSD can take time and patience. It’s important to avoid pressuring them to seek help.

ABOUT BRAIN INJURY ALLIANCE OF ARIZONA

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) is the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children with all types of brain injuries through prevention, advocacy, awareness and education. BIAAZ also houses the Arizona Brain Health Resource Center, a collection of educational information and neuro-specific resources for brain injury survivors, caregivers, family members and professionals.

What began in 1983 as a grassroots effort has grown into a strong statewide presence, providing valuable life-long resources and community support for individuals with all types of brain trauma at no charge.

The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona:

• Works with Congressional Brain Injury Task Force
• Houses Arizona Brain Health Resource Center
• Hosts virtual and in-person support groups for survivors and families
• Has Statewide Opioid Use Disorder & Cognitive Impairment Response team with peer support, training, and family wraparound services
• Facilitates Brain Health Advisory Council
• Manages statewide Help Line: 888-500-9165