Many people with PTSD find that stigma prevents them from getting treatment. This can take different forms, such as public stigma—when the general population endorses stereotypes of people with mental illnesses—or self-stigma when the person with PTSD internalizes negative beliefs about themselves and their condition.
Breaking these barriers can help people get the care they need to manage PTSD symptoms and recover from their experiences. Here are a few ways to combat stigma:
Educate Yourself
Educating yourself about mental illness can help you recognize and challenge stigma. Consider taking a class, reading articles and books, or listening to podcasts that discuss PTSD and other mental illnesses. It’s important to know the facts so that you can talk about them with friends and family members who may have PTSD, especially if they are reluctant to seek treatment because of its stigma.
People with PTSD may feel they must hide their diagnosis from others, especially if they have experienced discrimination due to race, gender, or sexual orientation. This can lead to a lack of support from loved ones who could serve as sources of encouragement. Often, when a person with PTSD feels that they have to conceal their condition, it can increase feelings of isolation and hopelessness.
The stigma around PTSD can also affect a person’s agreement with societal stereotypes. Researchers have found that interventions designed to reduce self-stigma in PTSD patients can also change a patient’s beliefs and behaviors related to PTSD.
One of the best ways to overcome the helplessness associated with PTSD is to take positive action. Volunteering or reaching out to a friend in need can help a person with PTSD feel empowered. It’s also a great way to learn new skills that can be applied to managing PTSD symptoms.
Talk to a Friend or Family Member
When a loved one struggles with PTSD, it can be incredibly difficult for the entire family. It can be difficult to know what to say or do and even harder to understand the illness and the repercussions of it. However, letting your loved one know you’re there for them can be hugely helpful. This isn’t to say that you need to talk about the trauma or relive the event itself, but it’s important to let them know that if they want to discuss it with you, you’re available and willing.
Listening without judgment is important when you talk with your friend or family member. People with PTSD often feel judged enough and may not want to tell anyone about their experience. It’s also important not to belittle their feelings by saying things like “it could have been worse” or implying that their struggle results from their fault.
Encourage your loved ones to see a mental health professional for treatment. Getting help for PTSD will help them learn more about the disorder and start on a path to recovery. There are also various support groups for people with PTSD that can be found in many communities. Some are operated by community mental health centers or are sponsored by local veterans organizations, for example.
Consider a Support Group
Depending on where you live, support groups for PTSD may be available through local churches, hospitals, non-profit organizations and even social media sites. Before joining a group, ask what kind of experience and qualifications are needed for membership. Ideally, you’ll find a group professionally facilitated and led by a mental health professional. Some groups focus on specific traumatic experiences, while others are open to anyone who wants to share their experience with the illness.
During meetings, encourage everyone to talk about what they have been through, including successes and failures. However, remind the group members that they must keep what they say confidential and that they should not tell people outside the group about what is discussed. Also, respecting members who cannot participate in the discussion is important.
Some people may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed when they learn you have PTSD. Those negative feelings are known as stigma and can make it difficult to connect with others. It’s also common for people to feel shame or guilt when they have PTSD, which can prevent them from getting help or finding a job.
Educating yourself about PTSD can help you manage the stigma that comes with it. You can also work to get your friends and family on board with supporting your recovery efforts. Remember that PTSD symptoms can be up and down, so you should always build a strong support system to help you through the hard times.
Take Care of Yourself
In addition to seeking treatment, you can also take care of yourself to help reduce the symptoms of PTSD. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated. It’s also important to exercise, manage stress and limit caffeine and nicotine, which can exacerbate anxiety.
It is possible to live a full and productive life with PTSD. While stigma may hold you back, you can work to overcome it by educating yourself and others about mental illness. You can also take steps to get support from loved ones and a professional therapist who has experience treating people with PTSD.
PTSD can cause family members to develop similar symptoms, leading to isolation and depression. In some cases, this can even lead to divorce. It’s important to educate yourself and take care of yourself, too, especially if you are the primary caregiver for someone with PTSD.
If you know someone who has PTSD, don’t be afraid to contact them. You can tell them that PTSD is treatable and you’re here to help. You can also offer to help with tasks or provide emotional support. This is an excellent way to show that you care. It’s also a great way to build trust. Remember that sometimes it takes time for the symptoms of PTSD to go away, so be patient and follow your treatment plan.