Recognizing National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month is crucial for raising public awareness about PTSD. This observance fosters understanding of symptoms, reduces stigma, and encourages those suffering to seek help. By promoting education and support, we can improve lives and support recovery efforts, ensuring that those affected receive the care they need. Magellan Health’s Dr. Yasmeen Benjamin, psychologist advisor, shares her thoughts on the importance of recognizing National PTSD Awareness Month, and what available resources there are to support the mental health of individuals living with PTSD.

What are some facts about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that individuals may not be aware of?

The triggering event or stressor that causes PTSD can look very different for everyone. However, for all those who struggle with PTSD, the symptoms are the same. This is important because sometimes individuals with PTSD don’t know they have PTSD, or they will minimize their symptoms if they deem their trauma to be less severe in some way.

The symptoms of PTSD consist of re-experiencing the traumatic event in some way, avoidance, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and increased arousal or reactivity. To have a diagnosis of PTSD means these symptoms will cause significant distress in an individual’s life and persist following the traumatic event. It is also important to recognize that PTSD can negatively affect many aspects of a person’s life, which makes living with PTSD very difficult and isolating. Relationships can suffer as well as performance in a work or school environment. But there is hope to manage PTSD with scientifically proven treatments, such as evidence-based therapies. I am a believer in these treatments because I have seen first-hand how they work to significantly decrease symptoms and help individuals get their lives back. These treatments include, but aren’t limited to, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy. I highly encourage anyone experiencing PTSD to discuss these and other PTSD treatment options with a clinician who is well-trained in them.

Why is it important to recognize National PTSD Awareness Month?

PTSD affects many different types of people of all ages and backgrounds. Given that this condition doesn’t discriminate, it’s important to understand PTSD and to be able to identify the signs and symptoms so we could be a support to those individuals with this condition. Social support is an important variable in any recovery process and can be a huge help for individuals living with PTSD to receive that understanding and empathy needed to help them.

What are some available resources for individuals with PTSD?

The National Center for PTSD provides helpful resources and psycho-educational materials to individuals with PTSD as well as their family and friends. Additionally, there are helpful books and workbooks that individuals can read to learn more about their symptoms as well as learn helpful skills to better manage or decrease PTSD symptoms.

What are some ways that individuals with PTSD can take care of their mental health while navigating this condition?

PTSD does not have to feel like a lifetime sentence. With the right treatment, people can get their lives back. I highly encourage individuals with PTSD to find professionals who have the training and experience to effectively treat this condition. Additionally, I encourage individuals with PTSD to find a way to not only address their mental health, but also address their spiritual and physical health as well. PTSD affects the entire being.

This article was originally published on MFed and written by Tristen Wendland, MS, LPC.

When you hear the acronym PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) most think of combat war veterans.  Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a fairly new term.  In WWI and WWII it was referred to as shell shock or combat fatigue.  The term was developed in the 1970s after the Vietnam war when servicemembers returned with similar symptoms.  It wasn’t until 1980 that the American Psychiatric Association officially recognized it as a disorder.

According to the National Institute for Mental Health, it is estimated that around 6-7% of the US population will deal with some PTSD in their lifetime.  According to Department of Veterans Affairs, Woman are at higher risk at 8% compared to Men at 4%.   PTSD can be related to natural disaster, a serious accident, terrorist attacks, mass shootings, combat, sexual assault, or other types of violent assault.

While working for Department of Veterans affairs I had the opportunity to work with many combat veterans over my career.  One comes to mind.  He was a young Army veteran who worked in EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).  During his time in the US Army, he was deployed 3 times.  During his last deployment he was injured during a mission when a bomb he was defusing exploded leaving him permanently disfigured and without the use his dominate arm.  After 8 years of skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and ongoing therapy he was ready to discuss returning to school and work.  He applied for Vocational Readiness and Employment through Department of Veterans Affairs CH31 program, and I was assigned his case.  We started off slowly with him only taking 1 class at a time.  Working up to part time school in person was a challenge.  The physical scars on his face and mangled arm were hard to miss.  Over the 5 years that I worked with him I saw him succeed and fail and celebrated his achievements and milestones and encouraged him when he stumbled.  Often having to take breaks when he stubbled back.  What I learned from him is that the will and want to work and succeed is 90% of the battle for people with emotional scars.  His goal was never to be who he was previously but to be who he is today.  A better version of himself who can feel satisfaction from employment even at a part time level.  Success was self-determined, and not dictated by a 40-hour work week or paycheck.

So, when it comes to employment what is the impact on your workforce?  According to the American Psychologic Society, the symptoms of PTSD sometimes cause significant distress for many individuals.  It impacts their social and occupational participation to a degree that is significant.  It can impact their ability to engage in selfcare and home care activities, education, and work roles as well as social and leisure activities.

What can you as an employer do to minimize or accommodate an employee suffering with PTSD? According to US Department of Labor Workers Compensation, Employees may benefit from returning to work on a part‑time basis.  Modified work schedules or shared employment can be beneficial. In terms of workplace accommodations, each person will have specific needs, and you really have to look at accommodations based on that individual. Here are some options:

• Providing instructions or job-related responsibilities in writing as well as verbal instructions.
• Offering additional training or refreshers to assist that individual with some of the memory difficulties.
• Allowing workers to maintain more flexible schedules and being able to take time off for any treatment or appointments that they have to attend.
• Permitting extra time to complete non-urgent tasks.
• Letting employees wear noise canceling headphones to reduce distractions while they’re working.
• Increasing the amount of light in the work environment to help maintain alertness and help them improve concentration.
• Removing any emotional triggers that remind the employee of the trauma that are upsetting (when possible).
• Making sure parking areas are well lit or that security personnel is available to accompany them when walking to a car or unsafe locations in the dark.

According to the Recovery Village, with treatment the prognosis is positive that PTSD symptoms can be managed.  While approximately one-third of people do not achieve full symptom elimination with treatment, most individuals experience a significant reduction in the intensity of their symptoms. It is important to understand when an employee is struggling, and performance is low there maybe underlying issues that can be accommodated or addressed by managers.

Sources:

National Institute of Mental Health. “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)“ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd .” November 2017. Accessed May 9, 2023.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “How Common Is PTSD in Adults?”  https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp  February 3, 2023. Accessed May 9, 2023.

U.S. Department of Labor Workers Compensation. “How PTSD is Affecting Return to Work” https://www.genexservices.com/insights/workers-comp/blog/how-ptsd-affecting-return-work  August 2019. Accessed May 9, 2023

The Recovery Village. “PTSD Statistics and Facts” https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/ptsd/ptsd-statistics/#:~:text=70%25%20of%20adults%20experience%20at,some%20point%20in%20their%20life  May 2023. Accessed May 9, 2023.

Article originally published on MFed Inform.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an increasingly important topic and issue within the U.S. military, across all Services. With thousands of counselors around the globe providing health and wellness care on military installations, Magellan Federal has a wealth of knowledge on PTSD and we would like to raise awareness around the symptoms, causes, and share some of the resources available to those who suffer from it.

Get to Know PTSD

PTSD is a medically diagnosed mental health condition that can develop after experiencing, witnessing, or learning the details of a traumatic event. Common causes include:

• Combat
• Threat of injury or death
• Terrorist attack
• Serious accident
• Sexual assault
• Physical assault
• Natural Disaster
• Childhood sexual or physical abuse

There are four different categories of symptoms that must be present for a diagnosis of PTSD:

1. Intrusions: recurring distressing memories, dreams, or flashbacks
2. Avoidance: staying away from people or places that remind them of the trauma
3. Persistent negative mood or thoughts: inability to experience positive emotions; excessive blame, fear, shame and/or guilt; detachment from others
4. Arousal or reactivity: irritability, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, self-destructive behaviors

PTSD became a mental health diagnosis in 1980 with the influence of social movements, such as veteran, feminist, and Holocaust survivor advocacy groups. Research about veterans returning from combat was a critical piece to the creation of the diagnosis. So, the history of what is now known as PTSD often references combat history.[i]

Prevalence in Service Members

According to the Defense Health Agency, between 2016–2020, 93,346 Service members received care for PTSD in the Military Health System and 74,232 of those Service members were diagnosed during or following deployment.[ii]

Available Programs and Resources for Service Members

While individual, trauma-focused psychotherapy is the first line of treatment recommended for PTSD, non-clinical support is also important and available to enable the healing process.

Magellan Federal helps deliver the Defense Health Agency’s Warrior Care Recovery Coordination Program (WC-RCP) to proactively support Recovering Service members (RSMs) who have been wounded, ill, and injured – including those with PTSD – in their recovery and reintegration into military service or transition to civilian life through non-clinical specialized programs and resources that also include support for their families and caregivers. Some of these programs and resources include:

Recovery Coordination Program (RCP): Under this program, available to all branches of service, Recovery Care Coordinators (RCCs) work closely with each Service member to develop a non-medical plan for recovery. Service members who may be suffering from PTSD are eligible to receive the support of an RCC.

RCCs are available at military treatment facilities and installations across the country. You can access assistance through your military services’ wounded, ill, and injured programs including:

• S. Army Recovery Care Program (ARCP)
• S. Navy Wounded Warrior – Safe Harbor (NWW)
• S. Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2)
• S. Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment (USMC WWR)
• S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Warrior Care Program
• S. Army Reserve Recovery Coordination Program

Military Caregiver Support: Provides resources and information for military caregivers who assist RSMs with activities of daily living. Since 2013, DoD’s support for military caregivers has positively impacted thousands of lives by addressing key issues that affect caregivers in the short and long term. These issues often include mental and physical health, finances, transportation, maintaining a strong family, navigating through legal issues, and housing. In partnership with the National Resource Directory (NRD), the new electronic Caregiver Resource Directory (e-CRD) is also available. The e-CRD is a live document that is searchable, ready to download, and updated weekly to populate the most current vetted caregiver-specific resources available.

Military Adaptive Sports Program (MASP): This program provides opportunities for all RSMs to participate in adaptive sports and reconditioning activities to improve their physical and mental quality of life throughout the continuum of recovery and transition. MASP is designed to enhance recovery by engaging RSMs early in individualized physical and cognitive activities outside of traditional therapy settings. Through MASP, Service members also have access to the Healing Arts, which support both physical and psychological recovery and rehabilitation from visible and invisible wounds of war including PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and others.

National Resource Directory (NRD): This website provides access to tens of thousands of vetted services and resources at the federal, state, and local levels that support recovery, rehabilitation, and community integration for Service members, wounded warriors, veterans, and their families/caregivers. There are over 300 resources readily available regarding PTSD, such as:

• PTSD Foundation of America
• Brain Injury Network
• National Center for PTSD
• National Veterans Wellness & Healing Center
• And many more…

When to Ask for Help

Remember, PTSD affects people differently and treatment is not one size fits all. If you think you or someone you know is possibly experiencing signs or symptoms of PTSD, no one has to cope alone. Help is out there in an array of forms from a variety of sources to meet anyone’s unique needs, whether it be clinical, non-clinical, or a combination of both.

To learn more about PTSD, visit https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Total-Force-Fitness/Psychological-Fitness/Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder or https://www.ptsd.va.gov/index.asp.

To learn more about WC-RCP programs and resources, visit https://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/.

[i] Friedman MJ, MD, PhD. Department of Veterans Affairs. PTSD: National Center for PTSD. History of PTSD in Veterans: Civil War to DSM-5. Available online: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/history_ptsd.asp

[ii] Defense Health Agency, Military Health System. PTSD 101 Infographic (May 2021). Available online: https://www.health.mil/-/media/Images/MHS/Infographics/June-Toolkit-2021/PTSD-101-Infographic.ashx

Do psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, ketamine, and cannabis sound familiar as medication therapy to help treat mental illness? It goes without saying that the pandemic has intensified mental health symptoms in the United States (US), turning an urgent matter into a crisis. One in 5 American adults suffers from mental illness, with young adults ages 18 to 25 years reporting the highest prevalence. These numbers speak volumes. Some treatment options do not adequately treat patients with mental illness and are associated with significant side effects. This underscores the need for more effective treatments. Because of these factors, psychedelics and other psychoactive substances are gaining momentum as possible alternatives.

Psychedelics are a “mind-manifesting” hallucinogenic class of psychoactive compounds that affect perception. They have been used by ancient civilizations for medicinal purposes and religious rituals for thousands of years. There is a renewed interest in using psychedelics to treat mental disorders driven by global research, influencers, education, and patient voices. Philanthropy has been the main funding source for psychedelics. However, a recent federal grant to Johns Hopkins Medicine to study psilocybin for tobacco addiction may signal a sea change in federal funding of psychedelic research.

While small-scale clinical trials have been promising, for psychedelics to become mainstream, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to fully evaluate their safety and efficacy. Studies are underway through several leading centers including MAPS – the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies – a non-profit dedicated to psychedelic research.

Psychedelics are not currently approved as prescription medications. Notably, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given Breakthrough Therapy designation to two psychedelics – MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). FDA’s Breakthrough Therapy is designed to “expedite the development and review of drugs which may demonstrate substantial improvement over available therapy.” As clinical trials progress, 2023 could bring regulatory approval for the MAPS’ MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, a potential turning point in the mental health treatment paradigm.

Patients with mental health illnesses deserve to heal and restore balance to their lives without stigma and judgment and deserve treatments that are safe and efficacious. Step into Magellan’s Clinical Insights for the role of psychedelics in treating mental health conditions. This industry-first paper explores the current evidence, regulatory, and legislative landscape for psychedelics and shares Magellan’s four pillars on emerging therapeutic frontiers. We are guided by four principles:

• Education and thought leadership for patients, payers, providers, and stakeholders while addressing the stigma around mental health
• Evidence-based clinical recommendations and coverage
• Patient safety by advocating for quality standards
• Access that is responsible and sustainable

Disclaimer: The content in this blog article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For questions regarding any medical condition or if you need medical advice, please contact your healthcare provider.

Anxiety is a normal response to a constant barrage of bad news. Headlines and notifications related to recent events are taking their toll on mental health in what some call “headline stress disorder.”

While this is not a medical diagnosis, the continued anxiety or stress from headlines may cause things like heart palpitations and chest tightness or insomnia. Further progression may lead to physical and mental conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, endocrine disorders or hypertension.¹ The combination of civil unrest, political instability and COVID-19, and the resulting economic uncertainty, has led to an increase in stress and anxiety in society. Both adults and children may struggle to process their feelings and maintain a sense of normalcy.

Here are some tips to help you understand and manage your fears, how to help children deal with traumatic events and how to know when you or someone close might need help.

Understanding the emotional and physical reactions to traumatic events

Emotional reactions

When the initial shock of a traumatic event subsides, normal emotional responses in the hours and days that follow may come in waves and at unpredictable times. These responses include:

• Fear and anxiety
• Sadness and depression
• Guilt, shame or despair
• Anger and irritability
• Emotional numbness
• Feelings of separation from others

Physical reactions

Physical reactions are the result of stress hormones flooding the nervous system. Common physical symptoms include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Headache, abdominal pain or other physical pain
• Racing heart
• Dizziness or fainting
• Change of appetite

How to help yourself

• Take care of yourself first. Eat healthy foods, get enough rest and exercise regularly. Physical activity can reduce anxiety and promote well-being.
• Talk to people you trust about your concerns. A supportive network is important for emotional health.
• Take time for hobbies and fun activities or find interesting volunteer activities. This can be a healthy distraction from everyday stress.
• Limit your exposure to disruptive TV, radio and social media coverage.
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.

How to help children cope with traumatic events

• Be aware of your own reactions to the event and manage your own stress. Stay calm and offer hugs and reassurance to restore your child’s sense of safety and security.
• Share information about the event and answer your child’s questions honestly. Listen to your child’s fears and let them know that it is okay to share their feelings at any time.
• Restrict or prevent contact with disturbing news and social media coverage of the event. Children who see graphic images or hear disturbing news can be re-traumatized.
• Maintain as many stable routines as possible, including regular meals, bedtimes and exercise.
• Engage in fun activities to help the children relax and get the feeling that life is back to normal.
• Watch for signs of trauma, even after weeks have passed. Children, like adults, cope with trauma in different ways, and may show signs of sadness, anxiety or disruptive behavior weeks or months after the event.

Know when to get help

• Common signs that you or your child may need professional help can include: excessive worrying or fear, extreme mood swings, avoidance of friends, difficulty understanding or relating to other people, changes in eating and sleeping habits and inability to engage in daily activities or deal with daily problems and stress.
• If you are suffering from stress reactions that affect your ability to lead a normal life for six weeks or more, you may need help from a mental health professional. While everyone is different and heals at their own pace, some people develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic event.
• Signs of PTSD include: disturbing memories, nightmares or flashbacks, suicidal thoughts or feelings, disconnection from others, and trouble functioning at home and work. It is important to seek help if you think you might have symptoms of PTSD.

¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7104635/

When your workplace is disrupted by a tragic event, employees may feel overwhelmed, anxious, insecure, and distracted. Everyone reacts differently to stress events, but tragic workplace events are serious and can cause significant physical, cognitive, and emotional reactions. A team of experienced mental health consultants can help reduce the negative impact of the event and its long-term impact on the organization, speed recovery, and return people to everyday life. Critical event interventions can also prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Types of traumatic events

Tragedies come in many forms. Typical traumatic events include the unexpected death of an employee, a chronic illness of an employee, an injury at work, robberies, shootings and other acts of violence, criminal attacks, industrial or natural disasters, or even organizational restructuring or dismissal. People who have witnessed the event or know the people affected can experience a number of symptoms of the stress response, such as:

• Insomnia, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, racing heart, headache and loss of appetite
• Nightmares, hyper vigilance, panic attacks, intrusive images and poor concentration
• Feelings of anxiety, guilt, depression, irritability, anger and fear
• Social withdrawal and self-medication with alcohol or other drugs [1]

Critical events can also trigger memories of previous intense stressors.

How Magellan’s Employee Assistance Program Can Help

Magellan’s Critical Incident Response (CIR) team consists of specially trained clinical staff who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. CIR Consultants help employees process and manage the emotional and physical effects of a traumatic event.

The first step is to consult with you about what has happened and assess the situation. Once the situation is assessed and an action plan is developed, we will send a CIR consultant to your workplace within a reasonable and agreed time frame. The CIR consultant will carry out a structured intervention on site to help deal with the incident, if necessary, and will also be available to managers and individual employees if needed. Services are confidential and provide employees with the resources and support they need to cope with the stress and anxiety caused by the event and return to normal life.

Our broad spectrum of CIR services includes management consultancy, telephone crisis support, group and individual support for affected employees, as well as follow-up care.

Critical incidents and tragic events occur in all types of companies and industries. Preparation with an existing CIR program is key to effectively managing the aftermath and associated risks.

[1] https: //www.osha.gov / SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/critical.html

Overview

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder. Many people believe things about mental health disorders that aren’t true. Here are some myths about PTSD.

Myth: PTSD is in your head. It does not exist.

PTSD does exist. It is a recognized mental health problem that has been studied for many years. You may get PTSD if you have lived through a traumatic event that caused you to fear for your life, see horrible things, and feel helpless. Strong emotions caused by the event create changes in the brain that may result in PTSD.

PTSD has not always had the same name. It also has been called combat fatigue or shell shock.

Myth: Only soldiers or people in war zones get PTSD.

Anyone who sees or goes through a traumatic event can develop PTSD. A traumatic event is a horrible and scary experience. During this type of event, you think that your life or others’ lives are in danger. You feel that you have no control over what is happening. These events include violent crimes, sexual assaults, childhood neglect or abuse, and natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes. Your job also could expose you to traumatic events. First responders at a traumatic event, such as firefighters and police, can develop PTSD.

Myth: You should be able to move on after a traumatic event.

The strong emotions you may feel during the traumatic event can create changes in your brain that result in PTSD. You may not be able to “move on” because of this. It’s important to remember that PTSD is a medical condition. People with other health conditions, such as cancer, deal with the condition as best they can. The same is true for PTSD.

Myth: PTSD always happens right after the traumatic event.

PTSD symptoms can develop at any time after a traumatic event. Your symptoms may start soon after the event, or you may not have them until months or years later. They may come and go over many years.

Myth: People with PTSD cannot function.

PTSD can cause severe symptoms, but counseling, medicines, and support all help people adjust. People with PTSD have jobs and relationships. They enjoy life and are active members of their communities.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a challenge for you and your family. Your family may find it hard to accept some of the changes PTSD can bring to your life. By talking and supporting one another, you and your family will be better prepared for these changes.

Family support

Your family is an important part of your recovery. They can be there to listen and to help you through rough times.

It’s also important that you help your family understand PTSD. They may not always know how to respond when they see you hurting. They may feel scared, sad, guilty, or even angry about your condition.

Talking about PTSD can help you and your family cope. Talk about your symptoms and what triggers them. Discuss different treatments and how they can help you recover. When you open up, your family can better understand what you’re going through.

Family therapy can help. This is a type of counseling that involves your whole family. A therapist can teach you how to work through problems and communicate better.

Talking with your kids about PTSD

Teaching your kids about PTSD is important. They may not understand why you’re feeling bad or why you get angry sometimes. This can be scary for kids at any age. They also may blame themselves for things that aren’t their fault. Make sure your kids understand that they aren’t to blame for your PTSD. When talking with your kids about PTSD:

• Be honest and listen to what they have to say.
• Tell them it’s okay to ask questions. Ask them how they’re feeling, and let them know that their concerns are important.
• Make sure they feel safe, secure, and loved. They may be afraid that something bad is going to happen.
• Provide information about PTSD. Let them know what it is, how you got it, and how you can recover.
• Encourage a good support system of friends outside your family. Get them involved in school activities or youth programs in the community.
• Don’t promise that your PTSD is going to go away soon. Instead, talk about how treatment can help you feel better. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers.
• Be as positive as you can. Your kids will notice how you react in difficult situations, which can influence their reactions.

Triggers Things that suddenly remind you of your traumatic event are called triggers. Triggers can bring up stressful feelings or cause you to have flashbacks, which means you feel like you’re reliving the event all over again.

Trying to avoid triggers is a common reaction. It’s normal to stay away from things that cause you stress. Because of this, you may feel like you can’t do the things you used to enjoy. This may be hard on you and your family.

Talk with your family about your triggers. They need to know what causes you stress. By being aware of your triggers, your family can help you find ways to cope with them.

Some common triggers include:

• Places, social events, or even smells and sounds. For example, smoke may trigger memories in someone who was hurt in a fire. Or a car that backfires may remind a veteran of gunfire.
• Being around others who were involved in your traumatic event. This may happen when veterans have a reunion.
• The anniversary of your traumatic event. Try to plan enjoyable activities on and around the anniversary date. It may help to be with friends or family.

Coping with holidays

Big holidays like Christmas and New Years can be stressful. The holidays can be a painful reminder of past times when life seemed better. Big groups of family and friends are often part of the holidays.

This may be stressful because:

• Groups tire you out or make you feel overwhelmed.
• You feel pressure to join family activities when you’re not up for it.
• You feel like you have to act happy when you’re not.

Your loved ones also might ask you questions about your life or about PTSD. You may not feel comfortable answering these questions. Keep in mind that your family may feel some of the same pressures.

You can cope with holiday stress by:

• Setting limits. Don’t join activities for longer than you can handle. You can choose when you want to be a part of the group.
• Taking breaks. Go for walks, or set aside a place where you can be alone for a while. This can keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
• Getting plenty of rest. Take naps if you feel like you’re not getting enough sleep at night.
• Talking with your family about how you feel. Your family can help you. Be honest with them about your stress.
• Not drinking too much. Alcohol may make your symptoms worse or cause you to have problems with your family.

For family members If you are the spouse or family member of someone with PTSD, here are some tips for helping your loved one during the holidays:

• Accept the mixed feelings your loved one may have about the holiday.
• Respect and support your loved one’s choices about being involved in the celebration.
• Plan ahead of time how you will cope with stress. This may mean talking about how your loved one will answer questions about PTSD, or deciding how long you will stay at a party.
• Remember to take care of yourself. Do things for yourself to relieve stress.
• Keep your expectations realistic.