How to Help Those Veterans Struggling with PTSD

1. Build Social Support
Simply being there during your friend’s or family member’s time of need can be a great help. Perhaps invite him or her over for a meal, or just spend some quality time with each other. You can also ask the vets in your life how you might honor fallen men and women together. This might include volunteering in your community or simply placing flags or flowers on gravesites. Similarly, you can visit a military memorial, museum, or monument to pay your respects. If you take action together, you could help the veteran reintegrate into society and feel less lonely.

2. Encourage Treatment
If you’re worried about your loved one, encourage him or her to seek treatment. Treatments might include medications, such as anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants. Counseling may also help. This can either be one-on-one or through group therapy. PTSD therapy could help improve symptoms, teach healthy coping skills, and restore self-esteem.

3. Suggest Meditation and Mindful Practices
Practicing the art of mindfulness could also be beneficial for struggling veterans. Mindfulness is about being present, which can help people who may be reliving their past or are overly worried about their future. It creates a space where one is less reactive to one’s thoughts, which can help relieve anxiety and negative feelings.

One way to practice mindfulness is by connecting with the breath, which helps bring us into the present moment. Encourage your loved one to try breathing techniques by following the movement of each breath as it draws in and out. Have your friend or family member notice the environment, such as the temperature of the room and any sounds. This can help rest the mind in the present moment.

4. Create a Sense of Safety
Stability is incredibly important for veterans. One way you can help create stability in your loved one’s life is to be a consistent and steady presence. Respect his or her privacy and treat the information that your loved one shares with you as confidential. This may also help veterans open up and reach out for support.

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