Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health issue that can happen to anyone who has gone through or seen a traumatic experience. It may manifest as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and difficulty coping with everyday life. If someone you love is seeking PTSD counselling in Singapore, your support can be invaluable in their journey toward recovery.
So, what are the practical ways you can do to assist your loved one while ensuring they receive the best care and treatment?
1. Understand PTSD and Its Effects
The first step in supporting your loved one through counselling is educating yourself about PTSD. Understanding the condition helps you empathise with their experiences and anticipate their needs. PTSD can manifest differently in individuals, with symptoms like:
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Emotionally numb
- Heightened reactions or hypervigilance
Recognising these symptoms can help you identify when they need additional support or professional help.
2. Research Counselling Services for PTSD
Access to effective treatment is crucial for recovery. Singapore offers a range of counselling services for PTSD recovery, including private therapists, government-supported initiatives, and non-profit organisations. Look into options such as:
- Private Clinics: Specialising in PTSD counselling in Singapore, these clinics often provide treatment options like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), tailored to support recovery.
- Community Organisations: Organisations such as Samaritans of Singapore and Silver Ribbon offer free mental health support, providing valuable assistance for those in need.
- Public Healthcare: Polyclinics and hospitals can also refer patients to subsidised mental health services, making professional care more accessible for those in need.
Helping your loved one explore these options ensures they find a service that aligns with their needs and preferences.
3. Encourage Open Communication
Creating a safe space for your loved one to share their thoughts and feelings is critical. Let them know you are available to listen without judgment or unsolicited advice. Your willingness to listen can foster trust and reassure them that they’re not alone.
Some tips you can follow include:
- Be Patient: They might not want to open up immediately, so give them time.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage conversation with gentle prompts like, “How are you feeling today?”
- Validate Their Feelings: Reassure them that it’s okay to feel the way they do. Avoid minimising their experiences.
4. Respect Their Privacy and Boundaries
While your intention to help is genuine, it’s essential to respect their need for privacy. Some individuals may not want to disclose all details about their trauma or counselling sessions. Respecting these boundaries shows that you value their autonomy and comfort.
Avoid prying into their PTSD counselling experience or pushing them to discuss topics they’re not ready to confront. Instead, focus on being present and supportive in other ways.
5. Assist with Practical Matters
Seeking counselling in Singapore can be an overwhelming process, especially for someone already dealing with PTSD.
Offering practical support can make the process easier, such as helping to schedule appointments, arranging transportation or accompanying them to sessions, and assisting with administrative tasks like filling out forms or exploring insurance coverage for therapy. This kind of support can help alleviate some of the stress involved in accessing the care they need.
6. Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Complementary strategies can also help enhance the benefits of counselling for PTSD recovery. Encourage your loved one to explore mindful activities, such as meditation or yoga, which might help reduce anxiety and support their mental well-being.
Creative outlets, such as art, music, or journaling, might also offer therapeutic ways to express emotions, while regular physical activity, like walking or swimming, could release endorphins that naturally boost mood. These activities can be beneficial to complement professional therapy and contribute to a holistic approach to recovery.
7. Be Patient with the Healing Process
Recovering from PTSD is not linear and often requires time and persistence. Therefore, avoid rushing the process. Relapses or setbacks may also occur along the way, but these are part of healing.
Your patience and understanding can motivate your loved one to stay committed to their counselling journey. Celebrate small milestones to acknowledge their progress and boost their confidence.
8. Stay Informed About Emergency Support
While having PTSD counselling is crucial, there may be times when immediate intervention is necessary. Familiarise yourself with emergency mental health hotlines and services, such as:
- IMH’s Mental Health Helpline: +65 6389 2000
- Samaritans of Singapore (SOS): 1767 (24-hour hotline support) or 9151 1767 (24-hour CareText support via WhatsApp)
Having this information on hand might prepare you to act swiftly in case your loved one requires assistance.
Embrace Your Role as a Support System
Supporting a loved one through trauma recovery involves patience, understanding, and proactive care. And educating yourself about their condition, respecting their boundaries, as well as assisting with practical matters are key ways to help.
Encouraging them to seek counselling services for trauma recovery in Singapore is another vital step, as expert guidance can significantly aid their healing. By offering your support alongside professional care, you can help them navigate through their healing process and overall recovery.
