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How can Parents Address Untreated Trauma Effectively


How can Parents Address Untreated Trauma Effectively


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When someone has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they continue to think about the traumatic event long after it has passed and become crippled by worry that it may happen again. Traumatic memories of a conflict in which close friends were killed may be triggered by a helicopter flying above. Flashbacks and insomnia could result following saving a child from a burning house. Anticipatory anxiety in intimate situations with a spouse who loves and cherishes you may result from a sexual assault.

Anyone who goes through distressing or traumatic circumstances may get PTSD. People who have experienced severe car accidents, natural catastrophes, physical or sexual harrasment, terrorist attacks, war, or circumstances where they came dangerously near to dying may develop it. The suffering can be painful for the person who is suffering, but it can also have a negative effect on their close relatives, sometimes causing secondary trauma and deep scars. The disease can cause children to experience intense pain and suffering, as is frequently the case when a parent has untreated symptoms, for example. This article will examine in greater detail how PTSD in a parent or other close relative impacts the family, particularly the children.

Anyone who goes through distressing or traumatic circumstances may develop PTSD. People who have experienced severe car accidents, natural catastrophes, physical or sexual abuse, terrorist attacks, war, or circumstances where they came dangerously near to dying may develop it. The suffering can be painful and terrible for the person who has suffered, but it can also have a negative effect on their close relatives, sometimes causing secondary trauma and deep long-lasting wounds. The disease can cause children to experience intense pain and burden, as is frequently the case when a parent has untreated symptoms, for example. 


Returning signs and symptoms

Traumatic incidents are frequently "re-experienced" by PTSD sufferers in their memories or nightmares. This can occur suddenly and with surprising speed. Strong emotions of grief, remorse, fear, or wrath are frequently present along with these symptoms. When the event is pretty powerful, you might believe the trauma is repeating. These signs might be scary for you as much as for your kids. It's possible that kids won't know what's occurring or why. They can be concerned about their parent or fear that the parent won't be able to look after them. You can also consult a Online counselor to get more knowledge about signs and symptoms of PTSD. 


Symptoms of avoidance and numbness

People with PTSD try not to think about the event since the re-experiencing symptoms are so painful and distressing. You might try to avoid situations and objects that make you think of your trauma if you have PTSD. However, you might not feel like doing activities that used to be enjoyable, like attending your child's event or the movies. Furthermore, it may be challenging for PTSD sufferers to feel happy. You can feel "shut off" from your loved ones and kids. Children may believe that the parent with PTSD doesn't care about them as a result.


Signs of hyper arousal

People who suffer from PTSD are frequently worried and tense. You can have problems sleeping or concentrating if you have PTSD. You can feel pessimistic or angry most of the time. You can be unduly concerned about your safety or the safety of your loved ones, or you might become afraid easily. It is simple to understand how these issues could impact family members. For example, being unpleasant might make a parent come off as angry or harsh. Children may question the parent's love because they are oblivious to the PTSD symptoms.


Effects of trauma on Family

Traumatic events and the PTSD symptoms they cause frequently affect the individual as well as their close family members. Family members frequently deal with the disorder's persistent everyday effects. Secondary PTSD can affect anyone who provides care or has a close Relationship with a person who has PTSD. Family members who are around a person with PTSD may experience anxiety since they never know what to expect. The person with PTSD may appear happy for one second and then become hostile and uncontrollable.


Effect of trauma on children

Behavioural and social issues

Children of parents who have PTSD are more likely to experience behavioural issues, academic difficulties, and social difficulties, according to some studies. In comparison to children of Veterans who have not have PTSD, their parents describe them as being more depressed, worried, hostile, and hyper. According to several studies, both domestic violence and violent behaviour by children in children are associated with PTSD in parents. But it's essential to remember that the majority of veterans live in peaceful homes. Seek support and guidance from the best Child psychologist or Counseliing psychologist.


Issues with emotion and secondary trauma

Some PTSD-affected children of combat veterans experience greater sadness and anxiety than PTSD-free offspring of non-combat veterans. Children may begin to exhibit symptoms similar to those of the parent, however this is uncommon. For instance, a child may experience nightmares about their traumatised parents. Children who observe their parents' illnesses may develop PTSD symptoms themselves. For instance, a child may struggle to focus in class because she is worrying about her troubled parents. It's frequently referred to as "secondary traumatisation" when a child is affected by a parent's PTSD symptoms. For such signs and sypotoms it is advised t seek help from the Best psychologist delhi or search for the Therapists in delhi,

Schedule a mental health therapy session with the well-known and skilled psychologists at the Psychowellness Centre. The facility is located in the vicinity of NOIDA, Janakpuri, Dwarka, Faridabad, and Delhi NCR.

Contribution: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, life coach & mentor TalktoAngel & Dr. Sakshi Kochhar