Question

1. What are some techniques needed to effectively manage and communicate with the patient who is re-experiencing an PTSD event?

Answer 1

Ans) It's important to keep lines of communication open. People with PTSD may feel embarrassed to ask for help, so take the initiative and ask them how you and other team members can support them.

- Use empathic listening and pay close attention to what they say. If they're reluctant to talk, wait for them to open up, and don't interrupt them when they do start to speak. Be patient, and remember that giving people an opportunity to talk about their concerns can be therapeutic in itself. If they are more comfortable communicating in writing, have the conversation through email.

- Start by simply asking what changes you could make that would improve their work environment.

Here are some ways that you can handle various issues and symptoms:

• Difficulty concentrating : Offer them a quiet part of the office with few, if any, distractions. They might also benefit from using noise-cancelling headphones to listen to white noise or soothing music while they work.

If their role includes a lot of meetings, have someone take notes and share minutes afterwards, or record the meeting so they can revisit it later.

• Poor memory : create a list of projects, and provide written instructions on how they should perform each task. Set up a calendar or an electronic reminder that alerts them to approaching deadlines.
• Time and project management: break up large assignments into smaller, more manageable steps with incremental goals . Create daily or weekly To-Do Lists , and have them check off each item as they complete it. Set up weekly one-on-ones to discuss their progress towards any assigned goals. You could also appoint a mentor to support them.
• Stress : There are a number of coping strategies for handling work-related stress. Try to remove any triggers in the workplace that might cause flashbacks or other reactions.

Another way to reduce pressure on people with PTSD is to allow them to take breaks from work. This might require you to extend their workday so they can accomplish all of their duties. Constructive feedback and positive reinforcement can help them feel engaged.

If a particular duty or task causes too much stress, you could restructure their job so it includes only the most critical functions. Offer them time off for counseling, or to attend your company's employee assistance program. Also, introduce them to mental and Physical Relaxation Techniques , if they don't already use them.

• Anxiety: If someone with PTSD is startled by people around them, consider moving their office or desk to a place where they can see people approaching them.
• Absenteeism and lateness : Offer them a flexible work schedule. If they have to take time off work because of their condition, allow them to make it up.
• Dealing with colleagues: Encourage them to walk away if discussions with other team members get too heated, and to talk about their situation with their colleagues when things have calmed down. This can help to improve relationships and understanding within the team.