Professional support for the person experiencing symptoms

Some distressing reactions are common in the days and weeks after a traumatic experience and may gradually become less intense. However, there is no need to wait several weeks before seeking professional help if symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, significantly affecting daily functioning, or raising concerns about the person’s safety or mental state.

This may be particularly important when the person experiences:

• nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive memories, or intense emotional distress
• increasing avoidance of places, people, conversations, or situations
• persistent hypervigilance, tension, panic, or a sense of being unsafe
• sleep difficulties or problems concentrating and functioning
• withdrawal from family, friends, relationships, or activities
• ongoing guilt, shame, numbness, anger, fear, or hopelessness
• increased use of alcohol, drugs, or medication to cope
• significant distress, even when the person appears to be functioning outwardly

It is generally better to seek help early rather than wait until symptoms become more severe or functioning is significantly affected.

It is especially important to seek help when symptoms are severe, worsening, or making everyday functioning very difficult.

For example, when the person:

• has been unable to sleep for several nights
• is unable to work, study, care for themselves, or care for others
• is avoiding essential daily activities
• feels overwhelmed most of the time
• is using large amounts of alcohol, drugs, or medication to get through the day
• is responding to distress in ways that raise concerns about their safety

In these situations, it is not advisable to wait and hope that the symptoms will simply pass.

Encouraging someone with PTSD to seek help is not always straightforward. The person may feel ashamed, believe they should cope alone, fear judgment or loss of control, find it difficult to trust professionals, or experience the suggestion as criticism or pressure.

It is usually better to describe what you have noticed and express concern without trying to diagnose the person.

You might say:

• “I’ve noticed that things have been especially difficult for you lately.”
• “It seems like you are carrying a lot, and it is exhausting you.”
• “I’m worried that you have hardly slept recently.”
• “Would you be open to looking at what support might be available?”
• “I can help you find a professional or arrange an appointment.”
• “You do not have to decide anything right now.”

Offer choices rather than instructions. You can listen, share information gently, offer practical help, or help the person take a small first step towards professional support.

In most situations, a person cannot be forced to accept help. However, if there is concern about immediate danger, including self-harm or suicide, do not simply wait for the person to agree. Follow the guidance on the page “Urgent help: When immediate professional assessment is needed.”