The Canadian Mental Health Association provides information about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Learn more on their website. (Direct quotes italicized below.)
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
-often involves exposure to trauma from single events that involve death or the threat of death or serious injury.
-PTSD may also be linked to ongoing emotional trauma, such as abuse in a relationship
Who Does It Affect?
-While most people experience trauma at some point in their life, not all traumatic experiences lead to PTSD.
-We aren't sure why trauma causes PTSD in some people but not others, but it's likely linked to many different factors. This includes the length of time the trauma lasted, the number of other traumatic experiences in a person's life, their reaction to the event and the kind of support they received after the event.
What Can I Do About It?
-counselling
-medication
-support groups
How Can I Help A Loved One?
-learn about PTSD
-even if your loved one doesn't wan to talk, you can still remind them that you are there to listen when they're ready
-understand that behaviours related to PTSD....are not about you
-...it's still important to support your loved one's overall movement toward wellness. This balance is not always easy, but you need to respect your own boundaries too
-ask what you can do to help, but don't push unwanted advice
-try to put your own feelings into words and encourage your loved one to do the same
-take care of your wellness and seek support for yourself if you experience difficulties
-it may be helpful to seek family counselling
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