When supporting a loved one with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), certain well-meaning actions can unintentionally trigger symptoms, increase distress, or damage trust. Here’s what to strictly avoid:

• Don’t force them to talk about the trauma. Saying “Just tell me what happened” or “You’ll feel better if you talk” can feel invasive and re-traumatizing. Many people with PTSD aren’t ready or may never be ready to disclose details.
• Don’t say “Get over it,” “It’s in the past,” or “Others have it worse.” These statements invalidate their very real neurological injury and can deepen shame and isolation.
• Don’t surprise them with physical touch or approach from behind. Hypervigilance is common; sudden hugs, shoulder taps, or entering a room silently can trigger a startle response or even a defensive reaction.
• Don’t minimize triggers. Never mock, roll your eyes, or dismiss something that sets them off (loud noises, certain smells, crowds, etc.). Triggers are involuntary physiological responses, not “overreactions.”
• Don’t take their reactions personally. Irritability, emotional numbness, or withdrawal are symptoms of PTSD, not a reflection of how they feel about you.
• Don’t push exposure activities without professional guidance. Forcing someone into crowded places, fireworks, or situations resembling their trauma (“to help them face it”) can cause severe setbacks if not done in controlled therapy.
• Don’t share their story without explicit permission. Even with close family or friends, disclosing their PTSD or trauma details violates privacy and trust.
• Don’t give unsolicited advice like “Try yoga/meditation/essential oils.” While some coping tools help, presenting them as cures dismisses the clinical reality of PTSD and can feel patronizing.

Instead, ask how you can support them, respect their boundaries, and encourage professional treatment (trauma-focused therapy + psychiatry when needed). Your patience and consistency matter more than “fixing” them.