PTSD
Overcoming PTSD, Learning How to Adjust, Avoiding Stressors
Curated By
Jessica Tanner
Jessica Tanner is a marketing professional from Katy, Texas with a specialty in personal branding and customer centricity. Jessica graduated cum laude as a student-athlete with her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Communications from the University of Tulsa in 2012. Her research interests concentrate on athletics, developing youth, and family values. In addition to her curation contributions with EncourageX, Jessica spends her time mentoring and coaching fastpitch softball players and volunteering.
They Might Be Thinking:
- I am TERRIFIED to go to sleep for FEAR of having nightmares or flashbacks.
- I am OVERWHELMED with STRESS and ANXIETY.
- I am WORRIED that my loved ones think I am crazy or losing my mind.
- I am LONELY... nobody understands what I am going through.
- I feel GUILTY – is there more I could have done to help?
- I am SADDENED by the loss of my brother/colleague, etc.
- I am CONCERNED that I will never get back to a normal life or routine.
- How do I get help when I can't ask for help?
- I'm searching for understanding as to why God is putting me through such a difficult situation.
- Who can I TRUST?
- Are my friends experiencing the same thing... or am I the only one?
- Is this normal? Does this feeling ever go away?
Words That Might Be Encouraging:
- I’m right here every step of the way to support you.
- If you ever need to talk, you can count on me to listen.
- [Talk about the future, make plans to look forward to.]
- [Keep your promises, no matter how small.]
- Would you like me to go with you to a PTSD support group? You’re not alone.
- I believe in you and I know you will make it through your struggles. You are an incredibly strong person.
- How can I help you through your nightmares/flashbacks? What would you like for me to do?
- Take deep, slow breaths… I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.
- What can I do to help you right now?
- Do you have someone you can talk to every day? I’m happy to be your person.
- You are not a bad person; you’re just going through a tough time.
Words That Might Be Discouraging:
- What’s wrong with you?
- Let’s get you to a doctor/therapist.
- What was it like?
- What do you remember?
- Let’s talk through it.
- How long does it take to go away?
- It will go away; you just need a little time and patience.
- I can relate! I’ve been so stressed out lately and my anxiety is through the roof!
- You’re lucky; it could have been worse.
- Yeah, I remember you telling me that part before. Let’s talk about something else.
- You’ve got to stop living in the past.
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