• Video sessions now available

    Celebrating 11 Years of Service!


  • Schedule Your Appointment Now

    Call or Email us Today!
    intake@thewellcounselinggroup.com
    317-471-8996


    Emotional Checkup
  • The Well Counseling & Consulting

    • Home
    • Meet Our Counselors
      • Yameen Chestnut
      • Adriaka Tina Jackson
      • Dr. Denita Hudson
      • Quamina Carter
      • Angela L Reese
      • Elizabeth White
      • Dr. Natalie Zolicoffer
      • LaDonna Wattley
      • Dr. Denise Hayes
      • Brittany Baker
      • Dachele Dycus
      • The Well Counseling Group
    • Our Consultants
      • Calvalyn Day
      • Reginald White
      • Elizabeth White
    • Resources
      • Drag’em Kicking and Screaming book
      • The Anxious Soul Book
    • Counseling Blog
    • In The News
    • Careers
    • Contact

    When to Worry: Recognizing Signs of Trauma in Your Loved Ones

    November 14, 2022

    Over the past several years, there have been numerous traumatic events all across the country. From incidents of mass violence to devastating natural disasters, hundreds of thousands of Americans have experienced or witnessed a disastrous or life-threatening event. In addition to tragedies such as these, anyone who has experienced a shocking or dangerous incident (such as a car accident or a robbery) is at risk of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

    PTSD is a serious mental disorder that requires medical treatment. PTSD can have devastating effects on every aspect of a person’s life, from their marriage and family, to their friendships and career. If you’re concerned that a loved one may be suffering from PTSD, here are some signs to look out for.

    Reliving the Trauma

    Someone with PTSD will have repeated, involuntary re-experiences of the event. They may experience bad dreams or flashbacks. They’re also vulnerable to certain triggers that remind them of what happened, such as sounds or smells.

    Angry Outbursts

    Someone silently suffering from trauma may be prone to anger, agitation, or sadness. Feeling irritable, the sufferer may be prone to outbursts of anger that they can’t control. 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

    People suffering from PTSD will avoid people and situations that are reminders of the situation. As the victim continues to isolate themselves, how their friends and family react to their withdrawal will likely further isolate them, causing additional emotional distress.

    Substance Abuse

    It’s not uncommon for people with PTSD to self-medicate. Seeking an escape from high levels of stress and difficult emotions, they may turn to drugs or alcohol. The painful trademark of substance abuse is the growing need for more of the drug to produce the same high. If left untreated, as substance abuse grows, the abuse will turn to addiction and eventually dependence. This can have devastating effects on every facet of a person’s life.

     

    If you’re concerned that a loved one is experiencing symptoms of trauma, the most important think you can do is encourage them to seek professional diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. You can help by contacting offices and vetting therapists on their behalf, and volunteer to take them to an appointment. Assure them of your love and support throughout the process.

    For additional guidance and recommendations from a licensed professional, call my office today.

    • Author
    • Recent Posts
    Elizabeth White
    Latest posts by Elizabeth White (see all)
    • Why Therapy for Caretakers is More Important Than Ever - February 9, 2023
    • Signs you Need to Take a Mental Health Day - February 7, 2023
    • The Traumatic Impact of Divorce on Adult Children - December 1, 2022

    Share this:

    • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
    • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

    Related

    Share on Facebook Share
    Share on TwitterTweet
    Share on Pinterest Share
    Share on LinkedIn Share
    Share on Digg Share
    Send email Mail

    Filed Under: Trauma / PTSD

    Blog Categories

    The Well Counseling & Consulting Group

    The Pyramids
    Pyramid 1, 5th Floor
    3500 DePauw Blvd.
    Suite 1050
    Indianapolis, IN 46268

    317-471-8996
    intake@thewellcounselinggroup.com

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter


    Elizabeth White, MA, LMHC, LCAC verified by GoodTherapy.org

    Contact Us Today

    By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.
    The Well Counseling & Consulting Group
    intake@thewellcounselinggroup.com | 317-471-8996
    A Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy