After war, PTSD can manifest itself in a multitude of ways. In order to help a war veteran through PTSD, you have to understand their point of view. There are countless coping mechanisms to try, but they are all irrelevant without the right type of communication.

A Hard Road

The discovery of PTSD is a shock for anyone’s system. That is why it is important to choose the correct mental health facilities. Getting someone to recognize and treat their PTSD is the hardest road. This is especially true for a war veteran that has conquered countless mental and physical demons. Pride plays a part, so the success of the hard road will always be tied to their personality. If they feel like a facility is the easy road, then they won’t take treatment seriously.

The First Mistake

Accusations are the first mistake you can make when dealing with someone that has PTSD. Going hard at an individual with PTSD will have the complete opposite effect. And constantly bringing up that you think they are suffering will only trigger defensive symptoms. Tact is required once you notice someone is showing PTSD symptoms.

Monitor their behavior, and make mental notes of how they react to specific situations. Once you have enough information, approach them with the understanding that your initial visit may fail. Space out the talks, and allow time for the situation to breathe so that they can take everything in.  

The Second Mistake

Adults don’t like to be treated like they are children. And if it is a war veteran, that is the most egregious mistake you can make. An example of this is leaving a pamphlet for PTSD treatment on their bed after a disagreement about the condition.

When your initial encounter for PTSD treatment fails, following through with the ‘pamphlet drop’ could cause irreparable alienation. From that point forward, they will view any talk about PTSD as a possible attack on their character. PTSD symptoms will worsen when the sufferer feels like no one has their back.

The Truth

Talking about PTSD is not an easy thing. When dealing with combat stress or PTSD, it takes on a completely different role. As the event keeps replaying in their mind like a bad dream, negative thoughts and anger become more common. A person that is on edge due to PTSD will act different, but remain unaware that their behavior is affecting others.

Once you notice these symptoms in another person, careful planning is required before getting them help. And if you are an individual that recognizes your own PTSD symptoms, then getting help should be a top priority. No one is at the same stage in their PTSD journey. This is something to keep in mind when talking to an individual that is showing PTSD symptoms.

Point the Way

There are specific steps to the healing process that should never be skipped. Some people get there faster than others, and sometimes failure is required before success. PTSD is treatable, and the only thing that is required is a willingness to try.