PTSD Caregivers Support
If you’re a PTSD caregiver you need to know: It’s okay if YOU need help, too. The following resources will provide you with information, education and actions to help you take care of yourself at the same time that you are taking care of your PTSD loved one:
Listen to our BlogTalk Radio special interviewing two PTSD caregivers about the triumphs and pitfalls of dealing with PTSD, and also ways to incorporate caregiver self-care at all times.
Read this page about 10 Tips For Understanding Someone With PTSD.
Check out our PTSD Caregiver Burnout page.
Educate yourself about co-dependency and what to do about it.
Remember this:
Major sources of caregiver support are family and friends. You are not alone. Your family members and friends (and even a therapist) are there not just to hear you complain about how frustrated and upset you are with your loved one or to listen to how you think you made a breakthrough today. By all means, share this information and also remember that support doesn’t always have to mean supporting your PTSD relief efforts. Support can also mean that they’re supporting YOU as a person.
Family and friends know you and remember who you were before you became so wrapped up in fixing your loved one. They can be there to tell you when enough is enough, see from the outside when you need a break, and to sense when you’re losing a part of yourself in your quest to save your loved one. Spend time with your friends and family doing things you enjoy, talking about their lives, enjoying their company. Allow yourself to be refreshed so that you can bring a refueled and dynamic perspective to your PTSD caregiving role and efforts.