Other tips: consider giving a copy of the plan to first responder agencies, talk to others in the household how to stay safe during a crisis, family members who are affected should check in with each other, post the 988 number as well as crisis agencies #ptsdchat

Pre-Crisis tips: learn early warning signs- changes in sleep patterns, hygiene, social withdrawal, irritability. Do general welfare checks often, #ptsdchat

When a Crisis Occurs - ensure your scene safety, if you feel unsafe, back away and call for first responders. #ptsdchat

Engaging the patient - speak gently and in a calm tone, be thoughtful in your communication, work as a team with other family members, give the person plenty of space, avoid direct, continuous eye contact, or touching. Honor the patient requests as long as its safe #ptsdchat

keep distance between you and the doorway, you do not want the person in crisis to feel trapped. #ptsdchat

ImWorkingWithATiredMindHere Not even in a crisis, but each night, to wind down and get better sleep, use a blue blocker screen on your tv, and on your phone, the dimming of lights is a signal to get ready for bed. Use red lights for night lights overnight. They don’t disrupt sleep. #ptsdchat

sometimes the situation can turn violent especially if alcohol is involved. Clues include: clenched fists, very visible blood vessels in neck and head, clenched jaw, angry stare, #ptsdchat

Voice to the person that their behavior is making you uneasy. This may help to diffuse the situation. If not, leave yourself an exit and move out of the room. As the two old dog medics on this chat will tell you - scene safety comes first. #ptsdchat

Self-care is not about being selfish, ever. #ptsdchat

Love this #ptsdchat

If you are a caregiver, refer to p. 26 for tips on how to take care of yourself, some of which has been discussed here tonight. Self-care is paramount to a more balanced life. #ptsdchat

Starting on p. 27, you can find a portable treatment record for all pertinent info. On p. 29, you will find the medical history document. #ptsdchat

on p. 32 is a crisis plan. Note: all info can be accessed via links in this pdf document #ptsdchat

p. 33 a Relapse Plan. p. 34 a Resource page #ptsdchat

We shared info from a few of the pages. Please read the entire document. You can always contact NAMI for further guidance. 1-800-950-6264. Or, text NAMI to 62640 #ptsdchat

Tim Grutzius Very easy to have happen, especially with sole caregiving. #ptsdchat There is always more work to do than time in which to do it. You have to take care of yourself to be able to take care of someone else.

#PTSDChat Tool? Realistic inflections. “Hell yeah, that’s me looking back from that mirror!” there’s no thing as an “imaginary guy” who looks at me, so I can relieve myself of my part in this lifestyle of mine. It’s always me.

Good night all, have a safe rest of your week. #ptsdchat