June 1, 2023
Learn How to Help a Person Dealing with PTSD
Photo by RDNE Stock project under Pexels License
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue that affects people who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events. Such events are caused by intense fear, helplessness, and horror such as personal assaults, road accidents, serious health problems, and even childbirth.
A person who develops this condition relives the traumatic event through flashbacks and nightmares that are triggered by normal day-to-day events, making it difficult for them to live a normal life.
The need to better understand PTSD is underscored when we observe PTSD Awareness Month in June. It’s an opportune time to debunk common myths about the condition to make it easier for people to understand the truth about the affliction. Veteran Car Donations shares some of these popular misconceptions about PTSD:
- Only combat veterans can develop PTSD.
Any person who has been through a traumatic event, even a child, can develop PTSD.
- Symptoms of PTSD emerge right away after a traumatic event.
It may take months before symptoms of PTSD manifest.
- Everyone who experiences a traumatic event will eventually develop PTSD.
Some people who experience traumatic events don’t get to develop PTSD. They include those who don’t have risk factors for the disorder such as previous exposure to traumatic events and inability to deal with them, lack of social support, and history of mental illness.
- You don’t have PTSD if you don’t have any flashbacks.
PTSD manifests in different ways and having flashbacks is just one of the more common signs. However, studies show that you can still develop PTSD even without a memory of the trauma.
- It’s impossible to treat PTSD.
There are available treatments for PTSD. They include cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and prolonged exposure therapy. Seeking the advice of a professional is the best way to determine the best treatment program for a patient.
How You Can Help a PTSD Sufferer
Based on a recent study, 6% of Americans have suffered from PTSD at some point in their lives. Here are some ways you can help a person with PTSD:
- Educate yourself.
Learn more about the condition to get a better understanding of what the person is going through. By giving yourself an idea about the complexity of the condition, you will be more inclined to avoid possible triggers and understand their reactions more openly and compassionately.
- Be supportive.
PTSD sufferers may often feel a sense of isolation, thinking that they are alone because they cannot function normally like other people because of their condition. Let them know that you are available to listen and help out when they feel overwhelmed.
- Don’t be judgmental.
Some of the normal reactions of people suffering from PTSD are indiscriminate fear, mood swings, and bursts of anger. They may react this way when they feel that they’re being judged or criticized by people around them. Provide a safe space for them by letting them know that you will not judge them for whatever actions they’ve done.
- Do not belittle their experience.
Getting afflicted with PTSD is a life-changing event and it must be treated as such. Be respectful of the experience of PTSD sufferers as well as their journey to overcome their condition.
How You Can Help Veterans with PTSD
PTSD is more common among veterans than civilians, with 7 out of every 100 veterans (or 7%) diagnosed to have PTSD, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. These veterans are those who had been deployed to conflict-ridden areas and had been exposed to combat during their time in the service.
Many of them are now living miserable lives as they struggle to assimilate into civilian society while dealing with their mental health issues.
You can help them overcome their affliction and live normal lives again. All you have to do is donate any vehicle you can spare to us at Veteran Car Donations.
Proceeds from the sale of your auto donation will go directly to our veteran-focused nonprofit partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations cater to former U.S. service members who are suffering from service-related disabilities and serious illnesses, including mental health issues such as PTSD. They also serve those who are homeless, impoverished, and jobless.
Our charity partners use the funding we give them to provide deserving veterans and their families with free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, housing and financial assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, and many other services designed to improve their living conditions.
As our way of showing our gratitude for your donation, we’ll promptly mail you the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your auto soon after its sale. This will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction when you file your itemized income tax return in the next tax season.
We’ll also be hauling your vehicle away without charging you a single dollar. We can collect your donation anywhere in the United States.
However, the best reward you’ll get is the priceless feeling of satisfaction, knowing that your act of charity will give our neglected and suffering heroes opportunities to fulfill their most cherished dream: to live a decent and dignified life.
We take almost all types of vehicles, including those that are barely running and with damaged or missing parts.
For more information regarding our donation program, including our quick and convenient donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822. You may also leave us a message here.
Photo by Erik Mclean under Pexels License
Reach Out to Our Hurting Heroes Today!
You can make a difference in the lives of our heroes who are struggling in your community. Your vehicle donation can go a long way in helping them turn their lives around. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now!