Supporting a Loved One with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Suicidal Ideation
If You Are the One Experiencing These Symptoms You are not broken. You are not alone. Your pain is valid, and healing is possible. Speak to Someone: Whether it’s a therapist, a trusted friend, or a support group, let someone in. Silence can deepen suffering. Avoid Isolation: Even if it’s just texting one friend or stepping outside for a few minutes, small connections can disrupt spirals of despair. Recognize Your Triggers: Awareness helps you prepare, cope, or plan around environments or topics that activate your trauma. Use Grounding Techniques: Deep breathing, naming five things you see, or touching something textured can help during moments of dissociation or panic. Create a Safety Plan: Know who to call, where to go, and what to do if suicidal thoughts become intense.
Helpful Resources Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1 or text 838255 www.veteranscrisisline.net National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 www.988lifeline.org National Center for PTSD: www.ptsd.va.gov The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth support): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678 www.thetrevorproject.org Therapy For Black Girls / Therapy For Black Men: www.therapyforblackgirls.com / www.therapyforblackmen.org
Let us remember: mental health challenges do not make someone weak—they reveal the strength it takes to keep going. Whether you’re the one struggling or the one loving someone through it, know that help, hope, and healing are always within reach.
With compassion, Dr. Roselyn Aker-Black, Psy.D. Clinician I Advocate | Editor-in-Chief, Service Magazine
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