Important information for friends or family members of someone with a diagnosis of PTSD.
Coping with a loved one's PTSD can be a very difficult thing to do. PTSD can have a tremendous impact on the life of the person with the diagnosis; however, it can also have a major effect on family and friends caring for that individual. Caring for someone with PTSD can be stressful. How do you cope with a loved one's PTSD? You can share your thoughts and experiences with other readers here.
Learn how to cope with a family member's PTSD during the holiday season.
There are link between trauma, PTSD, and relationship violence. Both men and women with a history of trauma or PTSD are more likely to exhibit violent behavior towards a loved one. Learn more about how trauma, PTSD, and relationship violence are connected.
As a result of the extensive media coverage of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, many children were exposed to tragic deaths of approximately 3,000 people -- putting them at risk for PTSD. Read about a recent study that looked at the relationship between media exposure and PTSD among children.
Many soldiers are returning from the Iraq War showing signs of PTSD and other difficulties. However, what effect is the Iraq War having on the children of soldiers deployed in Iraq? Read about one study that examined the impact the war has had on the children of Iraq War soldiers.
Learn about how an interpersonal trauma, such as sexual or physical abuse, can negatively impact an expectant mother's attachment to her unborn child.
The family can have a positive or negative impact on a loved one's PTSD. It is very important for family members to know the symptoms of PTSD and understand how they influence a loved one's behavior.
Not only does PTSD have a tremendous impact on the life of the individual with the diagnosis, but it can also have a major effect on family and friends caring for that individual. The stress of caring for someone with PTSD may result in "caregiver burden." Information on caregiver burden and ways of coping with it is provided here.
People who have PTSD may be at greater risk to attempt suicide. If you have a loved one who you think may be at risk for attempting suicide, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Learn about the connection between PTSD and suicide and where to go for help.
The National Center for PTSD provides a handbook for families of returning veterans. The handbook provides important information on what families can expect, how to better communicate, how to identify potential signs of problems in their loved ones that need to be addressed (like PTSD), and resources for getting help. The handbook (in PDF format) can be downloaded for free.
When children hear about or are exposed to traumatic events, they may have a difficult time understanding their reactions and/or coping with the impact of the event. The Sidran Institute, a non-profit organization that provides resources on trauma and PTSD, provides some helpful tips for how parents can help their children cope with and understand a traumatic event.
