Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Guide for Partners and Spouses of Healthcare Workers

This article is for partners and spouses of healthcare workers in Alberta, offering information and resources to help you understand Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We’ll explore the signs of PTSD, its effects, and how to find support. This is especially important because healthcare workers are at a higher risk of developing PTSD.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can happen after someone experiences or sees a scary event. This event usually involves a threat to someone’s life or safety. While many people think of PTSD in relation to military service, healthcare workers, particularly those in stressful settings like emergency rooms, are also at a higher risk.

Understanding the Signs of PTSD:

To understand if someone might have PTSD, here are some key things to look for:

• Exposure to Trauma: This could include things like seeing near-death experiences, serious injuries, or violence. For healthcare workers, constant exposure to suffering, death, injuries, and workplace violence can be traumatic.
• Intrusion Symptoms:
  • Having unwanted memories of the event pop up.
  • Experiencing nightmares.
  • Having flashbacks, feeling like they are reliving the event.
  • Feeling very upset when reminded of the event.
  • Having physical reactions (like a racing heart) when reminded of the event.
• Avoidance: Actively avoiding things linked to the trauma:
  • Avoiding thoughts, memories, or feelings about the event.
  • Avoiding places, people, conversations, activities, or situations that bring up memories.
• Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: These changes start or worsen after the trauma. At least two must be present:
  • Trouble remembering key parts of the event.
  • Having very negative beliefs about oneself or the world (like “I am bad” or “The world is dangerous”).
  • Blaming themselves or others for the event.
  • A lasting negative emotional state, such as fear, anger, guilt or shame.
  • Loss of interest in things they used to like.
  • Feeling distant from others.
  • Being unable to feel positive emotions.
• Changes in Arousal and Reactivity:
  • Being irritable and having angry outbursts.
  • Acting recklessly or self-destructively.
  • Being constantly on guard (hypervigilance).
  • Being easily startled.
  • Having trouble concentrating.
  • Having sleep problems.
• Duration: These signs should be present for more than a month.
• Impact: It should cause problems in their social life, work, or other important areas.
• Cause: Symptoms cannot be due to effects of medication, alcohol, or something else.

PTSD in Healthcare Workers:

Healthcare workers are at a much higher risk of developing PTSD. Resources for PTSD support in Alberta are essential due to the pressures of their jobs. Studies during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that PTSD rates among healthcare workers ranged from 10% to over 70%, especially in places where hospitals were under extreme pressure.

A study of healthcare workers in Alberta during the COVID-19 pandemic found that 47.3% of physicians showed signs of possible or probable PTSD. This shows the serious mental health impact on those working in healthcare in the province. Factors contributing to this include seeing high death rates, facing shortages of supplies, and constant fear of getting or spreading the infection.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms

The signs of PTSD can vary and might not always be obvious. Here’s a breakdown:

A. Changes in Mood:

• Increased Irritability and Anger: Your loved one might get frustrated more easily, have a shorter temper, or have angry outbursts, even over small things.
• Anxiety: This can show as constant worry, restlessness, feeling “on edge,” or even panic attacks.
• Depression: Look for signs of lasting sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in things they once enjoyed, and tiredness.
• Emotional Numbness: The person may seem distant, having trouble expressing or feeling emotions.

B. Sleep Problems:

• Insomnia: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both.
• Nightmares: Frequent and vivid nightmares, often about their work.
• Changes in Sleep Patterns: Sleeping much more or less than usual.

C. Avoidance Behaviors:

• Avoiding Discussions About Work: Not wanting to talk about their day or work-related issues.
• Avoiding Reminders: Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind them of traumatic events.
• Social Withdrawal: Isolating themselves from friends, family, and social events.

D. Hyperarousal Signs:

• Increased Startle Response: Being unusually startled by loud noises or sudden movements.
• Hypervigilance: Feeling constantly on guard, even in safe places.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, forgetfulness, and inability to concentrate.

E. Relationship Problems:

• Increased Conflict: More arguments with their partner because of irritability and emotional instability.
• Withdrawal: Becoming emotionally distant, leading to feelings of isolation.
• Difficulty with Intimacy: A reduced desire for physical or emotional closeness.

F. Substance Abuse and Coping Methods:

• Increased Alcohol or Drug Use: Using substances to numb their emotions.
• Overreliance on Medications: Taking more medication than prescribed.

G. Intrusive Thoughts and Flashbacks:

• Sudden Changes in Mood or Behavior: Suddenly seeming distant or like they are reliving a past experience.
• Physical Reactions: Sweating, trembling, or a rapid heartbeat in normal situations.
• Verbal Cues: Talking about past events as if they are happening now.

Impact on Relationships and Well-being

Understanding PTSD in first responders, and healthcare workers, includes acknowledging the impact of vicarious trauma and Secondary Traumatic Stress for partners. PTSD affects not just the individual, but also their relationships, family, and overall well-being.

• Strain on Relationships: Emotional unavailability, irritability, and avoidance can strain relationships. Communication can break down, leading to conflict and disconnection.
• Altered Family Dynamics: Children may experience anxiety or develop behavioral problems. Family activities may be limited due to the person’s avoidance or emotional state.
• Diminished Well-being: PTSD can negatively affect physical health, work performance, and overall quality of life, potentially leading to isolation, job loss, and increased risk of suicide.

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) and Compassion Fatigue:

Partners of those with PTSD are also at risk.

• Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS): Family members, especially partners, can develop STS from seeing their loved one’s suffering. STS symptoms are similar to PTSD, but result from indirect exposure to trauma.
• Compassion Fatigue: This is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion from prolonged exposure to others’ suffering. It’s common in helping professions, and family members providing support can also experience it. Compassion fatigue reduces empathy and leaves a person feeling emotionally drained.

Challenges in Recognizing PTSD and Seeking Help

Recognizing PTSD signs in healthcare workers and encouraging them to seek help can be difficult:

• Stigma: There’s a stigma around mental health issues, especially in the medical profession. Healthcare workers may fear being seen as weak.
• Fear of Professional Consequences: Worries about negative impacts on their career or job security can be a major deterrent.
• Lack of Awareness: Some healthcare workers may not realize their symptoms are PTSD.
• The “Tough it Out” Culture: Healthcare culture often emphasizes resilience, leading people to believe they should cope alone.
• Cultural Factors: Different cultural backgrounds can influence attitudes toward mental health.
• Access Issues: Long wait times for mental health services can make it hard to get care.

Resources for Partners and Spouses in Alberta

If you think your partner may be experiencing PTSD, many resources for spouses of first responders and healthcare workers are available in Canada and Alberta:

National Resources:

• Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): Offers information, support programs, and resources for mental health issues. https://cmha.ca/
• Wellness Together Canada: Provides free mental health and substance use support. https://www.wellnesstogether.ca/

Alberta-Specific Resources:

• CMHA Alberta: Offers local services and support. https://alberta.cmha.ca/
• Alberta Health Service: This provides a complete guide on mental health support.
• 211 Alberta: Connects individuals to community and social services, including mental health support. https://ab.211.ca/
• Family Resource Networks: Provide support to help families cope.

Additional Options:

• Local Support Groups: Look for PTSD or mental health support groups in your community.
• Private Therapists/Counselors: Find therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD.

Self-Care for Partners:

Supporting someone with PTSD is challenging. Prioritizing your own well-being is essential:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about PTSD.
• Build Your Support Network: Connect with friends, family, or support groups.
• Practice Healthy Habits: Encourage exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep.
• Stress Management Techniques: Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and prioritize your needs.
• Seek Professional Help for Yourself: Get therapy or counseling to cope with the stress.

Moving Forward

PTSD is a serious condition, but it is treatable. With the right support and care, individuals with PTSD can recover. Alberta first responder mental health resources are available, and partners play a vital role in the healing journey. Contact Responders First today to explore how we can support you and your partner.

Don Davis

15+ years of emergency response experience. Passionate about connecting our first responder communities with critical resources. Author of hundreds of articles and guides on First Responders mental health care. When not responding to emergencies, you can find me playing with my dogs, hiking, or enjoying a good book.