How Can We Better Support the Families and Friends of Veterans and Public Safety Personnel/First Responders?

TOOLS & SUPPORT:

Peer support plays a vital role in helping family and friends of Veterans and Public Safety Personnel/First Responders with PTSD cope with the emotional, mental, and logistical challenges they face. By engaging with others who are going through similar experiences, caregivers can gain a sense of validation and understanding that reduces feelings of isolation. Peer support provides an opportunity for individuals to share strategies, offer emotional comfort, and foster a sense of community. Research shows that support groups, both in-person and online, can be essential in helping individuals understand the complexities of PTSD and reduce stress and anxiety by giving them the tools to better navigate difficult situations (Sullivan & Pidcock, 2014). It can also provide an avenue for learning coping mechanisms, which can prevent burnout and ensure better mental health for the supporters themselves.

For families and friends, peer support also offers an outlet to express concerns, frustrations, and fears, knowing they are supported by others who truly understand their experience. This shared empathy strengthens relationships, while also encouraging self-care, a crucial element for those supporting loved ones with PTSD. A study by Galovski & Lyons (2004) found that providing mutual support in these settings helps reduce the emotional burden on caregivers, enhancing their ability to maintain healthy relationships with those they care about. Moreover, peer support fosters resilience, helping families develop practical tools for supporting their loved ones effectively, while reducing the risk of secondary trauma and mental health issues that can arise from long-term caregiving.

References:

• Galovski, T. E., & Lyons, J. A. (2004). Psychological well-being and distress in partners of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 17(1), 29-35.

• Sullivan, J., & Pidcock, S. (2014). Peer support for family members of individuals with PTSD: A qualitative study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 27(2), 182-189.

*** OSI-CAN provides Family and Friends Peer Support Thursday Nights at 7PM.

For more information and to sign up, contact the Facilitator via Facebook messenger at https://www.facebook.com/share/18JS6Qsv2K/