1. Educate Yourself About PTSD
Learn about PTSD symptoms, triggers, and treatment options to better understand what your loved one is going through.

2. Be Patient and Understanding
Recovery from PTSD takes time, and your loved one may experience setbacks. Offer consistent support without pressuring them to “get better” quickly.

• Talk to them about symptoms you observe – if they are ready. This will hep you to understand their issues and what they struggle with.
• Be supportive and show empathy – validate their feelings.
• Do not try to “fix” things. Be there for them – literally but set healthy boundries where necessary.

3. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
Ensure your loved one feels safe and secure at home. Help reduce stress by creating a calm, stable environment and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

4. Listen Without Judgment
Encourage them to share their feelings if they are comfortable, and listen empathetically without giving unsolicited advice or minimizing their experience.

5. Help Them Avoid Triggers
Work with your loved one to identify and avoid triggers that may cause flashbacks or heightened anxiety.

6. Encourage Professional Help
Support them in seeking treatment, whether it’s therapy, hypnotherapy, or other PTSD-specific interventions. Offer to help find therapists or drive them to appointments.

7. Maintain Your Own Well-being
Supporting someone with PTSD can be emotionally exhausting. Ensure you take care of your mental and physical health, seek support for yourself, and set healthy boundaries when needed.

8. Be Consistent and Reliable
Provide consistent emotional support, whether by checking in regularly or simply being present during difficult moments.

9. Respect Their Need for Space
Understand that people with PTSD may need time alone to process their emotions. Respect their need for space without taking it personally.

10. Encourage Positive Coping Strategies
Help your loved one engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as mindfulness, physical exercise, or hobbies that reduce stress.

11. When violence is involved:
Get out of the situation asap! Get help through friends, family, strangers, work colleagues, experts – get as much help as possible. Inform yourself – get as much information as possible!

Build a support-network, develop an exit strategy, and find professional support. Educate yourself about the cycle of abuse, domostic abuse, and the dynamic of violent behavior.