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Living with or supporting someone who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can bring up feelings of confusion, helplessness, and even fear. You might not know precisely how to help someone with PTSD. But understanding PTSD and offering steady, compassionate support can make a life-changing difference. At LightHeart Mental Health, we provide essential in-person mental health care services to support both those experiencing PTSD and their loved ones. If someone close to you is navigating the aftermath of trauma, you’re not alone, and there are actionable ways you can be there for them. Change begins here. Reach out to our team at 425.800.5688 to get started with PTSD treatment or explore options for care.
Understanding PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event such as violence, a serious accident, or prolonged emotional distress. People living with PTSD often experience intense, distressing thoughts or feelings related to the event long after it’s over. While PTSD is frequently associated with military veterans, it affects people from all walks of life. According to the National Center for PTSD, about 6% of adults in the United States will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, and around 12 million people in the U.S. live with PTSD each year.1
Is PTSD a diagnosable mental health issue?
PTSD isn’t a weakness or a failure to “move on.” It’s a real, diagnosable condition that responds well to evidence-based care. At LightHeart Mental Health, we provide inclusive and individualized mental health care free from stigma or bias, including PTSD treatment tailored to the specific needs of our clients.
What are the signs of PTSD?
Recognizing the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder is the first step in supporting someone’s healing.
Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Reliving the trauma: This could show up as flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts.
- Avoiding reminders: They might avoid certain places, people, or situations that trigger uncomfortable memories.
- Changes in mood and thinking: They might have adverse thoughts about themselves or the world, feel guilt or blame that doesn’t match the situation, or lose interest in things they once cared about.
- Feeling on edge: This could show up as being easily startled, feeling tense, struggling to sleep, or having sudden bursts of anger.
PTSD symptoms may be constant or come and go. They often intensify during stressful periods or near anniversaries of the traumatic event.
How to help someone with PTSD
Supporting someone with PTSD is about being there for them, walking alongside them—not trying to lead or push them. Everyone’s journey with trauma and healing differs, so it’s important to honor their pace and what feels right to them.
Here are a few ways you can help:
- Listen without judgment: Let them share as much—or as little—as they feel comfortable. Avoid pushing for details.
- Educate yourself: Learning about PTSD helps you understand what your loved one might be going through.
- Validate their feelings: Reassure them that their reactions are valid and that you’re there to support them.
- Respect their boundaries: Avoid saying things like, “You should be over this by now.” Healing takes time.
- Encourage professional support: Gently suggest talking to a therapist or psychiatrist. Offer to help them find care or even go with them to the first appointment.
Being a supportive presence can ease feelings of isolation. Understand that seeking mental health care can be overwhelming and complicated. Simply showing up with empathy can be one of the most powerful things you do.
What shouldn’t you do when supporting someone with PTSD?
Even with good intentions, some actions can unintentionally hurt. Knowing what to avoid helps build a safe and trusting environment:
- Don’t force conversations: Let them take the lead in talking about their trauma.
- Avoid saying “calm down”: This can feel dismissive. Try “I’m here with you” or “You’re safe right now.”
- Don’t minimize their experience: Comments like “It could’ve been worse” can feel invalidating.
- Don’t take symptoms personally: Mood changes or withdrawal aren’t necessarily about you—they’re part of the condition.
When is it time to seek professional PTSD treatment?
It’s never too early—or too late—to ask for help. Encourage your loved one to reach out if:
- They’re having difficulty functioning at work, school, or home.
- They’re experiencing depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
- Their symptoms are worsening or persisting for more than a month.
Effective PTSD treatment often includes therapy, medication, or a combination of both. At LightHeart Mental Health, our therapists offer trauma-informed care, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other approaches tailored to each client’s unique story. We provide comprehensive care that helps individuals achieve their psychological goals in a safe, compassionate space.
Can PTSD go away on its own?
While some people experience a natural reduction in symptoms over time, many need professional support to truly heal. PTSD is complex and can affect every aspect of life—from sleep to relationships to overall well-being. Early intervention can prevent long-term complications and promote a more fulfilling life.
Recovery from PTSD doesn’t mean forgetting the trauma—it means finding a way to live fully despite it. With proper support, healing is possible.
Why choosing the right care matters
Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. LightHeart Mental Health is here to assist you in navigating through any difficulties and transformations with care that’s personal, respectful, and free of judgment. We offer therapy and psychiatric medication management in-person and through telehealth, so clients can choose what works best for them. Our therapists work alongside psychiatric providers to create a treatment plan that fits your loved one’s goals and needs.
We believe a light heart lives long. With multiple locations in the Greater Seattle area, we’re proud to serve our community with empathy and intention.
Connect with LightHeart Mental Health to get started on PTSD treatment in Seattle
LightHeart Mental Health is here to help you and your loved ones find peace, support, and long-term healing. PTSD doesn’t have to define anyone’s life, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Call 425.800.5688 to learn more about our trauma-informed services or to schedule an appointment.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
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