Recognizing Signs of Trauma in Your Loved Ones
A number of traumatic events have occurred across the country over the past several years. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have experienced or witnessed disastrous or life-threatening events, ranging from mass violence to devastating natural disasters. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop in response to trauma and tragedies such as these. As well as violent incidents such as car accidents.
PTSD is a severe mental disorder that requires medical treatment. An individual’s marriage, family, friendships, and career can all suffer devastating effects as a result of PTSD. Here are some signs to look out for if you suspect a loved one is suffering from PTSD:
Signs of Trauma & Symptoms to Look Out For
Reliving the Trauma
A person with PTSD will experience repeated, involuntary re-experiences of the event. They may also experience nightmares or flashbacks. They are also at risk of being affected by certain triggers that remind them of the event.
Angry Outbursts
A trauma victim may be prone to anger, agitation, or sadness. Feeling irritable, the sufferer may be prone to uncontrolled outbursts of anger. If you’ve noticed your loved one frequently losing control and lashing out in anger, this is a sign that they’re suffering emotionally and require treatment.
Withdrawal
The victim of PTSD will avoid situations and people that remind them of the trauma. The victim’s friends and family will likely react negatively to the victim’s withdrawal, further separating them.
Substance Abuse
Self-medication is not uncommon among people with PTSD. In order to cope with high levels of stress and difficult emotions, they may turn to drugs and alcohol. In substance abuse, the need to consume more of a drug to achieve a similar high is a painful trademark. Substance abuse will eventually lead to addiction and dependency if left untreated. Every aspect of a person’s life can be affected by this.
What Can You Do About It?
Suppose you’re concerned that a loved one is experiencing symptoms of trauma. In that case, the most important thing you can do is encourage them to seek professional diagnosis and trauma therapy or PTSD treatment as soon as possible. You can help by contacting offices and vetting therapists on their behalf and volunteering to take them to an appointment. Assure them of your love and support throughout the process.
Call my office today for additional guidance and recommendations from a licensed professional.
Other Services At The Mindful Practice in Winter Park, FL
The Mindful Practice is a Winter Park, FL-based counseling practice, that also offers online therapy in Florida. We offer depression treatment, anxiety treatment, and trauma therapy. As well as post-bariatric surgery therapy, grief counseling, and life transitions therapy. Additionally, our caring therapists offer EMDR therapy and mindfulness-based therapy. We look forward to hearing from you.