How caregivers to those with PTSD suffer?

We give little thought to the stresses of caring for someone with PTSD or other mental health issues. The focus is always on the person with PTSD or mental illness.

There is trauma to the caregiver that is rarely talked about. A caregiver suffers as a result of dealing with the overwhelming responsibilities of giving constant care, of taking care of all the things the impaired person they are caring for either cannot or will not do any longer. Sometimes this is to the detriment of the loved one because it sets up a cycle of enabling. Caregiving is psycologically draining and demanding and one of the hardest things a person can choose to do for someone they care about.

The stress from caring for someone creates it's own problems and symptoms.

If you know of a caregiver or are a caregiver there are some things you can do to help. Give the caregiver a break, offer to take care of some of the simple tasks, offer emotional support, recommend the caregiver seek out support groups and take part in activities they might enjoy.

Sometimes even the strong need a place to rest.

http://dontloseheart.org/caregivers-ptsd/