CRPD RESPONSE TO FIRES ETC - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

What Else Do I Need to Know About Post -Traumatic Symptoms? Secondary symptoms are additional problems that arise as a result of post-traumatic symptoms. For example, a person who avoids talking about a traumatic event may end up pulling away from friends; as a result, she may begin to feel lonely and depressed. As time passes after a traumatic experience, more and more secondary symptoms may develop. These symptoms can become more troubling and disabling than the original symptoms. Associated symptoms are problems that don't come directly from being overwhelmed with fear, but happen because of other things that were going on at the time of the trauma. For example, a person who gets psychologically traumatized in a car accident might also get physically injured and then become depressed because he can't work or leave the house. Examples of Secondary and/or Associated Trauma Symptoms Aggressive behavior toward oneself or others can happen due to anger or frustration over the inability to control other trauma -response symptoms, or because of the nature of the trauma itself. Angry feelings and aggressive behavior pushes other people away. Anger and aggression can cause job problems, marital and relationship problems, and loss of friendships. If you find that you have a quick temper, feel angry much of the time, or have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, find someone you trust to talk about your feelings and to get support in dealing with your anger in healthy ways. Self -blame, guilt, and shame can happen when posttrauma symptoms make it hard to fulfill current responsibilities. It can also happen when people fall into the common trap of second-guessing what they did or didn't do at the time of the trauma. Many people, in trying to make sense of their experience, blame themselves. This is usually completely unfair. At best, it fails to take into account the other reasons why the events occurred. Self -blame causes a lot of distress and can prevent a person from reaching out for help. Feeling detached or disconnected from others can happen when a person has difficulty in feeling or expressing positive feelings. After trauma, people can get wrapped up in their problems or feel "numb" and then stop putting time and energy into their relationships with friends and family. Soon, they feel alone because they have isolated themselves from others. Physical complaints can happen because of long periods of agitation or arousal from anxiety. Trauma survivors may also avoid medical care because it reminds them of the trauma and causes anxiety; this may lead to poorer health. Unhealthy habits used to cope with post- traumatic stress, like drug or excessive alcohol use, can also cause health problems. Alcohol and/or drag abuse can happen when a person wants to avoid bad feelings that come with posttrauma symptoms or when other things that happened at the time of trauma lead a person to take drugs. This is a common way to cope with upsetting trauma symptoms, but it actually leads to more problems. If you find yourself relying on alcohol or drugs to cope or numb the pain, consult a medical or mental health professional with experience in substance abuse issues. Although posttrauma symptoms and other trauma-related problems may take up most of your attention when you are suffering, remember that you also have strengths, interests, commitments, relationships with others, past experiences that were not traumatic, desires, and hopes for the future.