PTSD Effects On Families
PTSD occurs after a traumatic event. Although traumas are stressful experiences, not all such events lead to PTSD. The trauma that occurs due to shocking and dangerous events mostly leads to Post-traumatic stress disorder.
Though it's difficult to find the exact number of people experiencing PTSD, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs gives the best estimate of the total number of the U.S. population who have PTSD.
Stats show that 6 out of every 100 people, which means 6% of the total U.S. population, will develop PTSD once in their lives. However, it's important to note that the estimated number is lower because many individuals with PTSD recover through treatment, and their symptoms may no longer meet diagnostic criteria.
Traumatic events occur to anyone, and no one can surely say which type of event might be turning into PTSD. Everyone perceives stressful situations in different ways, and the same goes for their impact. Women are 4% more prone to develop PTSD as compared to men. But remember that PTSD doesn't only affect the person's life but their loved ones' also. Let's see PTSD's effects on families, how to cope with them, and what else you need in that situation.
PTSD and Reasons
Extreme-level troubling events cause Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The person with this disorder experiences panic attacks, which are triggered by memories or reminders of a particular event. All this doesn't happen at a certain point and doesn't occur with warning. The things PTSD patients remember about the event work as a trigger, and it is right to say that they relive the traumatic experience.
When it comes to reasons, there are no particular criteria to suggest. Any incident, from natural disasters and crossfire to serious accidents and violent crimes, childhood negligence and emotional torture to domestic violence and abuse, can cause PTSD. Most importantly, the term is associated with war veterans as they are most likely to experience PTSD because they witness many disturbing events on the battlefield.
PTSD Effects on Families
PTSD doesn't affect only one person but every person in the surrounding area, especially family and friends. It's challenging to be around someone with PTSD. A person who is easily startled, haunted by nightmares, and tends to avoid social interactions and situations can strain even the most supportive family bonds.
Early research shared information regarding PTSD's detrimental impact by drawing parallels with the experiences of Vietnam Veterans.
According to the research, family violence and marital problems are more common in Vietnam Veterans with PTSD than those without PTSD. Their spouses and partners have more distress, and their children have gone through more behavior changes. PTSD Veterans who have the most severe symptoms cause the most trouble for their families, and they are worst functioning among others.
What contributes to the adverse impact of PTSD? Individuals grappling with PTSD often struggle to experience emotions and may feel disconnected from others. This emotional detachment can result in challenges within personal relationships, potentially causing behavioral issues in their children. The numbing and avoidance associated with PTSD are correlated with diminished satisfaction in parenting.
PTSD Effects on Spouse
PTSD also directly affects the spouse of a person experiencing PTSD. Some PTSD effects on spouses are
● Spouses also experience emotions similar to their partners, from anger and fear to withdrawal and hypervigilance.
● PTSD causes communication gaps, thus bringing misunderstandings, frustration, and isolation.
● Seeing and dealing with the partner's distress makes spouses emotionally and physically drained.
● PTSD affects the relationship overall.
● Spouses may feel guilty for not being able to "fix" their partner's situation.
● Spouses may feel isolated from friends and family who don't understand their situation.
● Spouses' ability to work also gets affected, leading to unemployment and financial strain on the family.
PTSD Effects on Children
Not only spouses but a person with PTSD impacted everyone's life living in the home with them. children of parents who have PTSD can experience the following problems
● emotional distress
● anxiety or depression due to chronic stress at home
● parent-child relationships worsen
● Behavioral changes, like increased aggression or withdrawal
● develop mental health challenges
● Difficulty in forming secure attachments with parents
● increased stress levels for children in the household
● cause disruption in daily routines and stability
● cause trouble for the child's emotional development
● disruptions in family dynamics and communication.
● affects children's social relationships
● affects children's academic performance
● may also show PTSD-like symptoms in children
PTSD Effects on Friends
In addition to family members, friends circle is also badly affected if one is experiencing PTSD. Let's see some PTSD effects on friends if a friend is grappling with PTSD.
Changes in Relationship Dynamics:
Friends continuously notice a person's behavior and emotional responses, which impact their communication pattern.
Difficulty in Socializing:
It badly impacts friendships because a person with PTSD might find it challenging to engage in social activities or maintain regular social interactions.
Emotional Strain:
Friends may experience emotional strain because they continuously witness their friends struggle with heightened anxiety, depression, or mood swings.
Impact on Trust:
PTSD can also affect trust within friendships, especially if the friend with PTSD has difficulty trusting others due to their traumatic experiences.
Sometimes, it is difficult to cope with a person experiencing PTSD and keep friendships as good as before PTSD. But remember that such people need a lot of support, and friends can provide it as they are a pool of support. Providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment not only helps an individual cope with PTSD but also positively influences the person's recovery journey.
Coping With PTSD
Tragic events are difficult to cope with, and people find it challenging to move on. When it comes to dealing with the emotional aftereffects of a traumatic event, counseling is the first important thing. It is one of the most recommended ways to manage PTSD and all types of psychological disorders. But in severe cases, medication is also important with counseling.
Another important step is to keep the person away from PTSD triggers. In case of a crime scene like suicide, accident, or natural death, cleaning the area might be the biggest traumatic trigger. As cleaning is the first step towards healing, remember that a professional approach is necessary. But where do you get this professional help?
We Can Help You In Recovering From PTSD.
Life's unpredictable turns give you physical and emotional scars. After a traumatic event, cleaning is the most challenging thing to do, and 911 Bio & Trauma Cleaners is there for you at this crucial moment. They offer comprehensive trauma cleanup services with unwavering empathy and professionalism.
Calling 911 Bio & Trauma Cleaners isn't just about meticulous biohazard removal; it's about reclaiming your peace of mind after a tragedy. While other companies focus solely on the physical cleanup, 911 Bio goes beyond understanding the invisible scars trauma leaves behind. Their team, comprised of former law enforcement and trained professionals, approaches each job with sensitivity and empathy, recognizing the emotional weight attached to every scene. They work quietly and efficiently and not only respect your privacy but also keep you and your property safe. But their care extends beyond the cleanup. With their understanding of PTSD, they offer resources and guidance to help you navigate the emotional aftereffects. Moreover, also provides help in claiming your insurance in case of property damage due to a traumatic incident. In the midst of unimaginable hardship, 911 Bio & Trauma Cleaners isn't just cleaning your space; they're helping you begin the journey of healing, making them the true "PTSD cleaners" who prioritize your well-being above all else.
So, if you've faced a traumatic event that's left your walls and your spirit tainted, 911 Bio & Trauma Cleaners isn't just the best choice for professional cleanup; they're a beacon of hope, offering a compassionate bridge towards reclaiming your space and your sense of peace. Remember, in the darkest hours, sometimes the greatest cleaning happens not on the surface but within.