Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can make everyday interactions feel overwhelming for the person experiencing it. Here’s how you can help without making things worse:

1. Educate yourself first Understand common symptoms: hypervigilance, flashbacks, avoidance, irritability, emotional numbness, and triggers. Knowing what’s happening inside their nervous system helps you respond with patience instead of taking things personally.
2. Listen without trying to fix When they want to talk, just listen. Avoid phrases like “Just get over it,” “I know exactly how you feel,” or “Look on the bright side.” Simple acknowledgment (“That sounds really hard” or “I’m here”) is usually more helpful than advice.
3. Respect their boundaries and triggers Ask what helps and what doesn’t (loud noises, certain topics, crowded places, etc.). If they need space, give it without guilt-tripping. If they say “I can’t talk about it right now,” believe them.
4. Be predictable and calm Sudden movements, raised voices, or last-minute plan changes can spike anxiety. Consistency and a calm demeanor act as a nervous-system regulator for them.
5. Encourage professional help gently Therapy (especially trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, or prolonged exposure) and sometimes medication are the most effective treatments. You can offer to help find a therapist or drive them to appointments, but never force or ultimatum.
6. Take care of yourself Supporting someone with PTSD can be exhausting and triggering for you too. Set your own boundaries, seek your own support, and remember you’re not their therapist.
7. In a crisis If they’re having a flashback, speak softly, remind them of the present (“You’re safe, it’s 2025, you’re in [location]”), and don’t touch them unless they’ve previously said it’s okay.

You can’t heal their trauma, but being a steady, non-judgmental presence is often the most powerful thing you can offer. Patience and respect go further than any perfect words.