Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.
(Publication Archives)

Community Connections, Fall 2003

How to Help Those With PTSD
From the National Center for PTSD website: http://www.ncptsd.org/facts/

For many trauma survivors, intimate, family, and friend relationships are extremely beneficial. These relationships provide:

1. Companionship and a sense of belonging, which is an antidote to isolation
2. Self-esteem, which can act as a buffer to depression and guilt
3. Opportunities to make a positive contribution, which can help feelings of failure and alienation
4. Practical and emotional support when coping with life stressors

As with all psychological disturbances, especially those that impair social, psychological, or emotional functioning, it is best to seek treatment from a professional who has expertise in both PTSD and in treating couples and families. Many therapists with this expertise are members of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), whose membership directory contains a geographical listing and an indication of those who treat couples or families and PTSD.

posted 9/18/03