What causes PTSD in adults? PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) isn’t a sign of weakness but actually a natural response to trauma. PTSD can develop at any time in one’s life following a traumatic event. If you have a loved one who has experienced recent combat exposure, a car accident, sudden loss, or been a victim of abuse, they may be experiencing signs of PTSD that you are not even aware of.
The best way to help someone you care about is to get them the help they need. Talk with them about how they are feeling and encourage them to seek professional help at a PTSD treatment center in Idaho, like the one at Zelus Recovery in Boise.
What causes PTSD in adults?
Everyone processes trauma differently, and for some adults, the impact can be long-lasting. PTSD may develop when the brain struggles to recover from a deeply distressing experience. Many types of traumatic events can cause PTSD in adults. Some examples include:
- Sexual assault
- Domestic abuse
- A natural disaster
- A serious accident
- Acts of terrorism
- Front-line combat
- The unexpected death of a loved one
People can experience intense and disturbing thoughts or feelings related to the trauma, long after it has happened. Unfortunately, it may not be obvious to those around them that they are experiencing this.
Symptoms of PTSD
Some symptoms of PTSD are more obvious than others. So, as a family member or loved one of someone who has experienced a trauma as an adult, these are the types of behaviors you can look out for or ask the person you care about if they are struggling with any of these issues. This will help determine if they should enroll in PTSD treatment.
Intrusive thoughts
Trauma can cause distressing memories to regularly surface through nightmares or flashbacks. The dreams and flashbacks can seem so real that they feel like they are reliving the trauma.
Avoidance
PTSD can cause people to avoid people, places, or situations that are reminders of the trauma. If your loved one is inexplicably absent at an event or simply does not want to talk about something related to their trauma, this could be a sign of PTSD.
Feelings of inadequacy
PTSD can cause victims to feel that somehow the event was their fault. It’s a bit like impostor syndrome. The memories of the event become distorted and they can even block out certain parts of the trauma.
Uncharacteristic mood
If a loved one is experiencing frequent outbursts, is angry more than normal, and reacts to every little thing like it’s a big deal, then you should be concerned about how they are dealing with their trauma.
It can be easy for some of these signs to be overlooked. You can chalk certain behaviors up to them just having a bad day. But for someone who has experienced a serious trauma, every day may be a bad day—but you just don’t recognize the severity of it.
Call Zelus Recovery for PTSD treatment near Boise
Zelus Recovery specializes in treating both adults and young adults through evidence-based trauma therapies at the treatment campuses in Meridian and Boise, Idaho. Family and loved ones are a critical part of the treatment journey. Your support as they navigate the challenges they are facing and get the help they need will be invaluable.
PTSD treatment will address the trauma itself and the symptoms associated with it, so that the person you care about can learn how to manage these symptoms effectively and get back to leading a healthy and productive everyday life. Patience and understanding are the cornerstones of compassionate treatment, along with the support of professionals, peers, trusted friends, and family.
June is PTSD Awareness Month. Find the help you or a loved one needs today. Call Zelus Recovery at 208.518.0797 or complete our online contact form to learn more about PTSD treatment options in Idaho for someone you care about who has experienced a traumatic event.
