It’s important to identify the signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder to we can pinpoint exactly what we need to improve so we can move forward. It’s often easier to identify these symptoms in ourselves than it is in others, however. This is because we know ourselves intimately and know when we just “feel off”. We can readily recognize when we’re feeling anxious or sad whether we know what to do about it or not. But, it can be more difficult to tell when someone we care about is having a bad day.
It’s human nature to attempt to mask the things we don’t like about ourselves or the situations we’re in. A natural defense mechanism we’ve all been equipped with is to brave these storms internally rather than project them outwardly to others. When we ask someone how they’ve been, the most common responses are “good” or “fine.” We never expect to be hit with a more negative response and have to delve deeper.
However, internalizing trauma is the opposite of coping. It is choosing to live in denial. We not only need to ensure we are open and honest about our feelings, so we can actively work on them, but we need to make sure we can identify when someone else needs our help. This is especially true if we know a loved one has been through a difficult time. However, it is necessary to allow an individual who has been through trauma to grieve and to open up only when ready. Here are some signs and symptoms of PTSD. Recognizing these and encouraging those we care about to talk about them may help start a life-changing conversation.
Have you noticed someone who used to be optimistic and bubbly is especially dreary and depressed? If you’ve noticed someone’s personality has changed drastically over a short period of time, this often means they are braving an internal storm that is slowly consuming them.
Has someone you care about been calling in sick to work a lot, refusing to attend commitments or even leave the house at all? Ditching commitments and losing interest in hobbies and activities that used to be important is a common sign of depression, often stemming from PTSD.
Does this individual seem extremely paranoid, making outlandish claims or taking extreme measures to protect themselves? Paranoia is a common symptom of PTSD. This can range from double- or triple-checking the doors are locked at night to installing a home security system and insisting something terrible will happen if they leave the house without a weapon. Those who have had near death experiences at the hands of others and those who have been abused often suffer from paranoia. Some of these thoughts could be justified, others are not. It is important to reassure the individual you are taking what they’ve told you seriously, so they know they have an ally. Using cognitive behavioral therapy to gently coax them into understanding the reality of their circumstances can help ease feelings of dreed.
Have you noticed an increase in substance use or addictive habits, such as compulsive shopping or binge eating in this individual? Substance use and other compulsive behaviors are common in those suffering from PTSD. If you’ve noticed an increase in detrimental addictive patterns, it is important to intervene early on before these behaviors completely take hold. However, please note, you must consider your own safety first. A wealth of available resources exist that will help you to intervene safely and effectively.
Has your loved one expressed an interest in being more spontaneous, acted on his or her sudden whims or displayed any other noticeably erratic behavior? An increase in erratic behavior is often common when an individual is attempting to eliminate trauma-induced pain. By completely revamping his or her life in a very short period of time, they believe they can run away from this pain altogether, put it behind them and never look back. This is also a common sign of someone who is abusing substances. The harsh reality is that no matter how drastic the change, if the individual is not doing the internal emotional work necessary to heal, they will not be able to escape and move on.
Has this person expressed suicidal thoughts or engaged in life-threatening behavior? First of all, it’s important to understand that suicidal ideation is fairly common in those who have undergone trauma. However, just because it occurs commonly doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. If a loved one has expressed thoughts of suicide, even if insisting they are joking, this needs to be taken seriously. Don’t waste time. Call The National Suicide Prevention Hotline to better understand how to help.
Homicidal Ideation. This can also occur in individuals suffering from PTSD, and of course, cannot be taken lightly either. Homicidal ideation is no laughing matter. Whether this individual has expressed vague plans of revenge against the root causes of their pain or lays out a highly detailed plan, any such expression needs to be taken seriously.
If you or someone you know is experiencing PTSD in the aftermath of trauma, there is hope. It is important to focus on the facts and realize that the trauma itself has subsided in order to effectively move forward. We can help others in their journeys as well. There is a wealth of resources available to help. Don’t be afraid to seek support, and don’t be afraid to seek it for others.
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