Understanding PTSD and Emotional Avoidance
Understanding the complexities of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and emotional avoidance can be daunting. However, gaining insight into these conditions is essential for those affected and their loved ones.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. PTSD is not limited to a specific demographic; it can affect anyone who has been through a traumatic experience.
PTSD avoidance symptoms
One of the hallmark symptoms of PTSD is avoidance. People might steer clear of places, people or activities that remind them of the traumatic event. This avoidance is an attempt to block trauma and reduce distress, but it can also lead to isolation and hinder recovery.
Emotional Avoidance and Trauma Blocking
Emotional avoidance is a coping mechanism where someone avoids feelings, thoughts or discussions related to their trauma. This can manifest as a reluctance to discuss the trauma or a complete shutdown of emotions, often leading others to perceive them as emotionally non-expressive. It’s important to understand that this is not a lack of emotion but a protective mechanism to prevent further emotional pain.
Are people with PTSD emotionally non-expressive?
It may seem that people with PTSD are emotionally non-expressive, but it’s more accurate to say they are emotionally protective. The trauma they endured can make expressing emotions feel unsafe, so they may appear detached or unemotional.
What to Do When Someone with PTSD Pushes You Away
When someone with PTSD pushes you away, it can be challenging to know how to respond. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Be patient and understanding
Understand that pushing people away is a symptom of their condition, not a reflection of their feelings towards you. Be patient and give them space if they need it while letting them know you’re there for them.
Educate yourself
Learn about PTSD and its symptoms. Understanding what they are going through can help you provide the support they need and avoid taking their actions personally.
Encourage professional help
Gently encourage them to seek professional help if they haven’t already. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can be very effective in treating PTSD.
Offer support, not solutions
Your role is to support them, not fix them. Listen to them, validate their feelings and avoid giving unsolicited advice.
Understanding Emotional Trauma
Emotional trauma is the result of extraordinarily stressful events that shatter a person’s sense of security, making them feel helpless in a dangerous world. This can stem from a one-time event, such as an accident, or ongoing stress, like living in an abusive situation. Understanding emotional trauma is key to comprehending PTSD and emotional avoidance.
The impact of trauma on emotions
Trauma can alter the brain’s functioning, affecting how emotions are processed. This can lead to symptoms such as hypervigilance, emotional numbing and difficulty trusting others. The goal of treatment is to help the individual process the trauma and learn to experience emotions safely.
Practical Advice for Navigating PTSD and Emotional Avoidance
Navigating PTSD and emotional avoidance requires patience, understanding and support. Here are some tips for those supporting someone with PTSD:
Create a safe environment
Ensure the person feels safe both physically and emotionally. This might mean reducing stress in the home, providing reassurance and avoiding triggers of their trauma.
Encourage healthy coping mechanisms
Encourage activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as exercise, meditation or hobbies. These can help them manage their symptoms and improve their mental health.
Communicate openly
Keep lines of communication open. Encourage them to express their feelings and let them know it’s okay to talk about their trauma when they’re ready.
Seek support for yourself
Supporting someone with PTSD can be emotionally taxing. It’s important to seek support for yourself, whether through therapy, support groups or talking to friends and family.
By learning about trauma blocking, the nature of emotional trauma, and how to support someone with PTSD, you can provide the understanding and care they need. Remember, healing from trauma is a journey, and with the right support, those affected can find their path to recovery.
Dover Behavioral Health System is a treatment center that provides compassionate inpatient and outpatient treatment to help those achieve meaningful mental health and wellness. We offer Substance Use Disorder Intensive Outpatient (IOP) as well as a dedicated Military Mental Health Program.
Our team of dedicated staff pride themselves on creating a welcoming environment for all of our patients and their loved ones. Some of our services include our treatment, specialty and outpatient programs. Our main campus is located in Dover, DE. Our secondary location, Georgetown Behavioral Health, is located in Georgetown, DE.
To schedule a consultation with us or for more information, please call 302-746-2992.
