Advice for those who love someone that has suffered as a result of trauma from events like 9/11
By Rachel Russo — Written on Sep 09, 2011
Without a doubt, any relationship has its’ ups and downs. Couples who are in it for the long-term are committed to sticking things out through thick and thin. They come up with new ways to get through challenges together, but overcoming difficulties becomes increasingly difficult when one partner feels alone in the relationship.
Feeling as if your partner doesn’t get where you are coming from is particularly common for those who have lived through incredible tragedies like the largest terrorist attack in American history, which occurred ten years ago on September 11, 2001.
When someone has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, it can have a huge impact on his or her romantic relationships. If your partner is suffering from symptoms of PTSD, it can be difficult for you to deal with the anger, irritability, and fear.
If you love someone who has PTSD, consider the following tips to help him or her work through their feelings about the trauma:
1. Get educated. There is a lot of information on the Internet about PTSD. Check out reliable resources-like the website of The United States Department Of Veteran Affairs- to learn all you can about the nature of this psychological disorder so that you can know what to expect from your partner.
2. Be the person your partner needs you to be. Sometimes someone with PTSD will want to talk about the trauma, and other times any communication about the issue could be extremely upsetting. Listen to your partner with an open mind, and don’t take it personally if he or she wants to sit in silence from time to time.
3. Provide a healthy distraction. Someone with PTSD relives trauma again and again. Understand that it is impossible to “just get over it” or forget the impact of the events. Instead of showing a lack of empathy for your partner’s inability to move on, just try your best to get his or her mind off of it by engaging in fun activities or sharing laughter together
With events as life-changing as 9/11, we will “Never Forget”, but you and your loved one can cope with the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
To get more relationship advice from Rachel Russo, read her published writing, and subscribe to her “Labels & Love” newsletter, please check out her official website at www.RachelRusso.com