Thread: Helping Your Sufferer Through a Crisis
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Old 14-11-2007, 05:32 AM
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Default Helping Your Sufferer Through a Crisis
A question was asked in private carers regarding helping a sufferer when they are facing a crisis or very difficult situation which is making them ill. Unfortunately the question was misunderstood somewhat and the thread deviated from its original intent, which was to help the sufferer. I decided to begin a new thread here in the public area, as I believe it would be helpful for the sufferers to give input and ideas as well. Firstly, there are a few articles of interest regarding helping sufferers, located in the Carers information section, please read them:

http://www.ptsdforum.org/forum43.html

Addtionally, I will add my own thoughts briefly. When my sufferer is having a difficult time, my family and I basically do the following:

1. Remove as many as many stressors as we can, for example:
  • keeping the noise level down in the house
  • placing a limit on visitors
  • taking messages so the sufferer need not speak to anyone unnecessarily
  • avoid confronting them about sensitive issues, unless absolutely necessary
2. Lower our expectations of the sufferer, for example:
  • allowing them to sleep in or otherwise rest and not criticize them for it
  • allowing them a break from chores or household duties that are usually theirs
  • accepting their decisions, should they not wish to leave the house, go anywhere or speak with anyone
  • understanding should they wish to have a break from therapy and doctors
  • not pressuring them to talk about problems, before they are ready
  • not taking the situation personally
3. Assist them to look after themselves, for example:
  • making sure they take their medications, eat healthy and get enough rest
  • be available to talk if they wish, though not forcing the issue
  • if there is something fun or distracing which they wish to do, encourage and enable them to do it, and do not judge them for "overdoing it"
4. Watching for warning signs and taking appropriate action, for example:
  • watching for self-harm, severe dissociation, severe depression and so on
  • being familiar with the signs of an impending suicide, and having a action plan for taking the sufferer to the hospital if need be
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