The Foreign Service Journal, January 2008

• Learn as much as you can about PTSD. Knowing how it affects peo- ple may help you understand what your family member is going through. The more you know, the better you and your family can han- dle the situation. • Offer to accompany your family member on doctor visits. You can help keep track of medicine and therapy, and you can be there to offer support. • Tell your loved one you want to listen and that you also understand if he or she doesn’t feel like talking. • Plan family activities together, like having dinner or going to a movie. • Take a walk, go for a bike ride or do some other phys- ical activity together. Exercise is important for health and helps clear your mind. • Encourage contact with friends and family. A support system will help your family member get through difficult changes and stress- ful times. Bear in mind that your loved one may not want your help. Sometimes social withdrawal can be a symptom of PTSD. A person who withdraws may not feel like talking, taking part in group activities or being around other people. Give your loved one space, but tell him or her that you will always be ready to help. In addition, he or she may feel angry about many things. Anger is a normal reaction to trauma, but it can hurt relationships and make it hard to think clearly. Anger also can be frightening. If it leads to violent behavior or abuse, it’s dangerous. Go to a safe place and call for help right away. Make sure children are in a safe place as well. F O C U S J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 8 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 33 Depression, alcohol- or substance-abuse problems, panic disorder and other anxiety disorders often occur along with PTSD.