Having an open conversation with your family and close friends about mental health, particularly PTSD related to trauma from my past, can feel scary.
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Why? It can be difficult to revisit painful memories, and there’s a fear of judgment or misunderstanding. But remember, regardless of gender, reaching out for support is a courageous step.
You can start by mentioning you’ve been struggling with some tough feelings and disturbing memories recently.
You can use the term “PTSD”, if you’re comfortable, but the key is explaining how it impacts you – be it nightmares, anxiety, or feeling on edge. Reassure your family you’re not placing blame, but their understanding would be incredibly helpful.
Taking this first step can open the door to healing and a stronger relationship with your loved ones.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances. An individual may experience this as emotionally or physically harmful or life-threatening and may affect mental, physical, social, and/or spiritual well-being.
Source: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
Treating PTSD
This online fact sheet discusses some treatments shown to be effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including forms of talk therapy as well as medication. The fact sheet notes which treatments have strong research support and which have less support from research and features links to additional information about treatment of PTSD.
Source U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after a traumatic event. At first, it may be hard to do normal daily activities, like go to work, go to school, or spend time with people you care about. But most people start to feel better after a few weeks or months.
For more information visit ptsd.va.gov/