Concerns for a Friend: Post-Trauma Behavioral Changes

I am very worried about her?

Hello, doctor.
I have a very close friend who was very lively and cute until the fifth grade.
However, after a fire incident in fifth grade, she started to behave strangely.
She becomes easily enraged; although she is still kind, she gets upset if someone says a few harsh words to her.
She also likes to isolate herself in her room, only turning on a desk lamp.
Her condition fluctuates; when she's feeling good, she asks me questions, but when she's feeling bad, she keeps saying how useless she is and that she shouldn't have been born.
She also doesn't answer phone calls, and I'm really worried about her.
I'm afraid that one day she might do something drastic.
Every time I ask if she's okay, she says she is fine, but her mother tells me that she often hides in her room and cries when she gets home.
I don't know if she is sick or what...
By the way, she is afraid of fire, whether it's fake fire on TV or real fire; she quickly runs away whenever she sees it.

Pei Yun, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/22

Dr. Zhong Mingxun reply Psychiatry

After the fire in fifth grade, she became very strange.
She is prone to anger and crying, which indicates that her emotions have been significantly affected.
It is very likely that she is suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
It is recommended that you encourage her family to take her to a mental health specialist as soon as possible.

Reply Date: 2016/08/22

More Info

It sounds like your friend is experiencing significant emotional and behavioral changes following a traumatic event, specifically the fire incident you mentioned. Trauma can have profound effects on individuals, particularly children, and can lead to various psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

From your description, it appears that your friend is exhibiting signs of emotional distress. The anger outbursts, withdrawal from social interactions, feelings of worthlessness, and avoidance behaviors (like hiding from fire) are all concerning indicators. These symptoms suggest that she may be struggling to cope with the trauma she experienced during the fire. It's not uncommon for individuals who have gone through traumatic events to develop heightened sensitivity to reminders of the trauma, which can manifest as fear or panic in situations that remind them of the event.

The fact that she isolates herself and expresses feelings of not wanting to exist is particularly alarming. These thoughts can be indicative of depression and may put her at risk for self-harm or suicidal ideation. It’s crucial to take these feelings seriously and to encourage her to seek professional help. Mental health professionals can provide a safe space for her to process her feelings and develop coping strategies.

Here are some steps you can take to support your friend:
1. Encourage Open Communication: Let her know that you are there for her and that she can talk to you about her feelings without judgment. Sometimes, just having someone to listen can make a significant difference.

2. Suggest Professional Help: Gently encourage her to speak with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or counselor. They can provide her with the tools and support she needs to work through her trauma.

3. Be Patient: Recovery from trauma can take time. Be patient with her and understand that her mood may fluctuate. It's important to be a consistent source of support.

4. Engage in Activities Together: If she is open to it, try to engage her in activities that she once enjoyed or new activities that could help distract her from her distress. This could be as simple as watching a movie, going for a walk, or engaging in a hobby.

5. Educate Yourself: Understanding trauma and its effects can help you provide better support. There are many resources available that can help you learn about the psychological impact of trauma.

6. Monitor for Warning Signs: Keep an eye out for any signs that her mental health is deteriorating, such as increased withdrawal, talk of self-harm, or any other concerning behaviors. If you feel she is in immediate danger, it’s important to seek help from a trusted adult or professional.

7. Involve Trusted Adults: If her situation does not improve or worsens, it may be necessary to involve a trusted adult, such as a parent or teacher, who can help her get the support she needs.

In summary, your friend's behavioral changes following the traumatic experience are concerning and warrant attention. Encouraging her to seek professional help and providing your support can be crucial steps in her recovery process. Remember, you are not alone in this; there are professionals who can help guide both you and your friend through this challenging time.

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