Does My Family Member Have PTSD and Need Help?
Understanding signs, offering support, and knowing when to reach out.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about yourself or a family member, please consult a licensed healthcare professional.
________________________________________
Recognizing when a family member may be struggling with trauma can be difficult. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) does not always look like what you see in movies or TV shows. Many people with PTSD are high-functioning, private, or unaware that their symptoms even relate to a past traumatic experience.
If you’ve noticed changes in a loved one and you’re wondering whether they might need support, this guide can help you understand common signs and how to approach the situation with compassion.
________________________________________
What Is PTSD? (Informational Only)
PTSD can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic or frightening event.
Trauma can include:
• Accidents
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Military or first responder experiences
• Medical emergencies
• Natural disasters
• Violent incidents
• Childhood trauma
• Ongoing emotional stress
• Sudden loss
Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but for many, the emotional impact can last long after the event is over.
________________________________________
Signs Your Family Member May Be Struggling With PTSD
According to the National Center for PTSD, symptoms such as hyperarousal, avoidance, intrusive memories, and shifts in mood or behavior are common ways that trauma can show up in daily life and are often first noticed by family members (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2023). Everyone shows trauma differently, and symptoms may be subtle or easily misunderstood. Here are common behavioral and emotional signs to watch for:
1. They’re easily startled or constantly “on edge”
You may notice:
• Jumping at noises
• Difficulty relaxing
• Being unusually alert or cautious
• Feeling tense around crowds or public places
This heightened awareness is known as hyperarousal.
________________________________________
2. They avoid certain places, conversations, or reminders
People with PTSD may stay away from:
• Locations connected to the trauma
• Situations that feel overwhelming
• Crowds, driving, certain people, or loud environments
• Conversations about what happened
Avoidance is not “being dramatic”—it’s the mind protecting itself.
________________________________________
3. Their mood or personality has changed
You may notice shifts such as:
• Irritability or anger
• Withdrawal from family
• Less interest in things they used to enjoy
• Guilt, sadness, or hopelessness
• Increased emotional sensitivity
These changes may feel sudden or gradual.
________________________________________
4. They’re having sleep issues or nightmares
Sleep disturbances can be one of the most common early signs of PTSD:
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Vivid nightmares
• Night sweats
• Restlessness
Lack of sleep often makes daytime symptoms worse.
________________________________________
5. They seem distracted or disconnected
Someone with PTSD may:
• Seem “checked out”
• Lose focus easily
• Have trouble remembering conversations
• Feel emotionally numb
They may look like they’re physically present but mentally elsewhere.
________________________________________
6. They talk about feeling unsafe, even when nothing seems wrong
This may include:
• Feeling watched
• Fear something bad will happen
• Overprotectiveness
• Difficulty trusting others
These feelings can come from the body staying stuck in “survival mode.”
________________________________________
7. They have intrusive memories or flashbacks
Intrusions may look like:
• Reliving moments of trauma
• Sudden emotional reactions
• Physical reactions to reminders
• “Spacing out” or going quiet during triggers
These episodes can be extremely distressing.
________________________________________
Does This Mean They Definitely Have PTSD?
Not necessarily.
Many other emotional conditions—such as anxiety, depression, grief, burnout, and trauma-related stress—can cause similar symptoms.
Only a licensed mental health professional can evaluate whether someone meets criteria for PTSD.
However, noticing these signs is a helpful starting point for deciding whether a supportive conversation might be helpful.
________________________________________
How to Support a Family Member (Without Pressuring Them)
Approach the topic with compassion, not confrontation.
✔ Choose a calm moment
Ask to talk when emotions are not high.
✔ Use gentle, nonjudgmental language
Examples:
• “I’ve noticed you seem overwhelmed lately.”
• “I care about you and want to check in.”
• “You don’t have to go through this alone.”
✔ Avoid forcing them to talk about the trauma
Some people are not ready — and that’s okay.
✔ Offer support, not solutions
You can simply say, “I’m here for you.”
✔ Encourage professional support—if they’re open to it
A mental health professional can help them explore what they’re feeling at their own pace.
________________________________________
How a Mental Health Provider Can Help
A qualified provider can help a person:
• Understand their symptoms
• Discuss how trauma may be affecting their mood or functioning
• Explore supportive tools and strategies
• Learn about therapy or medication options tailored to their needs
• Talk openly without judgment
• Receive validation and clarity
A supportive environment can make a meaningful difference for individuals dealing with trauma.
________________________________________
A Compassionate Space Makes a Difference
At Nurtured Balance Wellness, PLLC, many individuals come to us because:
• They want someone who will listen
• They feel overwhelmed by past experiences
• A family member encouraged them to reach out
• They’re unsure whether they have PTSD but want clarity
• They’re looking for a safe, calming place to talk
This article cannot diagnose anyone, but it can help you recognize when a loved one might be struggling and when extra support may be helpful.
________________________________________
If you’re concerned about a family member and want to better understand PTSD or emotional trauma, Nurtured Balance Wellness is here to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space — whenever they’re ready.
Reference
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023). PTSD: National Center for PTSD – Understanding PTSD and PTSD treatment. National Center for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov
