--- title: How to Help Someone With PTSD description: Learn how to help someone with PTSD through empathy, education, and support, including the transformative impact of service dogs. image: https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hubfs/NWBB-blog-How%20to%20Help%20Someone%20With%20PTSD%20From%20War-header%20(1).png --- [![Northwest Battle Buddies - Logo](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Northwestbattlebuddies_January2023/images/Northwest-battle-buddies-logo.png "Northwest Battle Buddies - Logo")](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/) - Veterans - [Veterans](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/veterans) - [Program Overview](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/program-overview) - [Apply For a Service Dog](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/apply-for-a-service-dog) - [Vision of Hope](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/video-series-vision-of-hope) - [Resources](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/resources) - Service Dogs - [Service Dogs](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/nwbb-service-dogs) - [Foster a Puppy](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/nwbb-puppy-foster) - [KOA's Journey](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/service-dogs/video-series-koas-journey) - Support Our Veterans - [Donate](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/donate) - [Join ONQ](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/onq) - [Pledge-A-Pup](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/pledge-a-pup) - [Foster a Puppy](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/nwbb-puppy-foster) - [Become a Sponsor](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/become-a-sponsor) - [Custom Fundraisers](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/custom-fundraisers) - [Freedom Gala](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/freedom-gala) - [Memorials & Registries](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/memorials-registries) - [Wishlist](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/wishlist) - About - [About NWBB](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/about/about-nwbb) - [Leadership & Team](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/about/leadership-team) - [Affiliations](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/about/affiliations) - [NWBB in the News](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/about/nwbb-in-the-news) - [Stories](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/nwbb-stories) - [Contact Us](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/contact) - [Blog](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog) - [Events](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/events) [![Donate](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/23546662/4a1dc1b2-0297-43df-96b9-6f5d88d84a89.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/23546662/4a1dc1b2-0297-43df-96b9-6f5d88d84a89) ![](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hubfs/NWBB-blog-How%20to%20Help%20Someone%20With%20PTSD%20From%20War-header%20(1).png) # How to Help Someone With PTSD Published by [Northwest Battle Buddies](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/author/northwest-battle-buddies) on Dec 1, 2024, 8:00:00 AM Returning home from serving in the military is a profound transition for Veterans, many of whom struggle with the invisible wounds of war – most notably, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  As a loved one, you may feel overwhelmed, unsure of how to provide the support they need. But through active listening, connecting them with resources that can help, and supporting them through community, among other strategies, you can make a big difference in the life of your loved one battling PTSD.  Understanding how to help someone with PTSD begins with recognizing the unique challenges Veterans face. Symptoms may include flashbacks, severe anxiety, and emotional numbness. It’s crucial to approach your loved one with empathy and patience, creating a safe space where they feel comfortable expressing their feelings.   ## Educate Yourself [Understanding PTSD and its effects](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/understanding-ptsd-how-it-affects-our-veterans) can make you a more effective support system. These resources can help: 1. The [U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)](https://www.va.gov/) provides valuable information about PTSD symptoms, treatment options, and coping strategies. 2. [The National Center for PTSD](https://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/support_family_friends.asp) offers information for families and friends of people battling PTSD. 3. [The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration](https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support) provides a mental healthcare lookup service.   ## Listen Actively  Often, Veterans may not feel ready to share their experiences. Let them know you are there to listen without judgment whenever they feel like talking. Sometimes, just being present can provide immense comfort.   ## Encourage Professional Help While your support is invaluable, professional guidance from a therapist or counselor who specializes in trauma can be crucial. Encouraging your loved one to seek help from resources like the VA can lead to effective treatment plans. ![Photo of a Marine Veteran with his PTSD service dog](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NWBB-blog-How%20to%20Help%20Someone%20With%20PTSD%20From%20War-Blog-1%20(1).jpg?width=1920&height=1280&name=NWBB-blog-How%20to%20Help%20Someone%20With%20PTSD%20From%20War-Blog-1%20(1).jpg) ## Consider How a Service Dog Can Help How to help someone with PTSD varies from person to person. But one impactful way to provide support is through the use of [PTSD service dogs](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/nwbb-service-dogs). Organizations like [Northwest Battle Buddies](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/) train PTSD service dogs specifically for Veterans battling PTSD. These dogs provide both companionship and practical support, helping to mitigate anxiety and provide a sense of purpose. PTSD service dogs can alert their handlers to oncoming anxiety attacks, create a buffer in social situations, and offer support through grounding techniques. The presence of a PTSD service dog can drastically improve a Veteran's quality of life, making daily activities more manageable. If you think your loved one could benefit from a PTSD service dog, introduce them to Northwest Battle Buddies and encourage them to [apply for a service dog](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/apply-for-a-service-dog) at no cost when they’re ready. ## Encourage Healthy Routines Help them establish a daily routine that includes physical activity, healthy eating, and social interaction. Routine can offer stability and predictability, which are often disrupted in Veterans with PTSD. ## Be Patient Recovery from PTSD can be a long journey. Celebrate small victories and be there for setbacks, reinforcing that they are not alone in this struggle. ## Engage in Activities Together Encourage participation in activities that promote relaxation and enjoyment, such as hiking, art, or even volunteering together. Shared experiences can strengthen your bond and provide moments of joy amidst the challenges. Supporting Veterans with PTSD is a collective effort, and learning how to help someone with PTSD can make a significant impact. [Consider donating to Northwest Battle Buddies](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/donate) to aid in training PTSD service dogs that provide essential support to those who have served our country. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps create a brighter future for Veterans battling invisible wounds of war. Together, we can foster understanding and healing for our American Heroes. [Visit Northwest Battle Buddies](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/)to learn more and make a difference today. Tags: [Veterans](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/tag/veterans) [Back to Blog](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Related Articles ## [From Country Star Namesake to Battle Buddy: How Service Dog McGraw Changed Veteran Andy’s Life](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/an-update-on-future-service-dog-mcgraw) In October 2024, service dog McGraw was finally matched with his Veteran Andy during a five-week... [Read More](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/an-update-on-future-service-dog-mcgraw) ## [How PTSD Service Dogs in the Workplace Help Veterans Succeed](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/service-dogs-workplace) Returning to civilian life is difficult for many Veterans, especially for those with post-traumatic... [Read More](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/service-dogs-workplace) ## [Bred for Service: How Council House Goldens Is Changing Lives for Veterans](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/breeding-ptsd-service-dogs) [Read More](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/breeding-ptsd-service-dogs) ![Northwest Battle Buddies-logo](https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Northwestbattlebuddies_January2023/images/northwest-battle-buddies-logo-footer.png?width=200&name=northwest-battle-buddies-logo-footer.png "Northwest Battle Buddies-logo") [Get Involved](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/ways-to-help) Registered 501(c)(3). EIN: 45-4159178 © 2026 Northwest Battle Buddies ### Contact: 360.601.9744 [Email Us](mailto:office@northwestbattlebuddies.org) PO Box 2511 Battle Ground, WA 98604 360.601.9744 - Quick Links: - [Operation Never Quit](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/operation-never-quit) - [Veterans](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/veterans) - [Apply for a Dog](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/veterans/apply-for-a-service-dog) - [Donate](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/take-action/donate) - [Upcoming Events](https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/events) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Northwest Battle Buddies", "url" : "https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/author/northwest-battle-buddies" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-01T16:00:00.396Z", "datePublished" : "2024-12-01T16:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to Help Someone With PTSD", "image" : [ "https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/hubfs/NWBB-blog-How%20to%20Help%20Someone%20With%20PTSD%20From%20War-header%20(1).png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.northwestbattlebuddies.org/blog/how-to-help-someone-with-ptsd", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Northwest Battle Buddies" } } ```