Avoidance Symptoms
In addition to all the things you do to help your child, it's very important to take good care of yourself.
It is harder to help your child if you are feeling really worried, upset, or overwhelmed.
Other parents have said:
"I can't stop thinking about what happened."
"I get upset when something reminds me of it."
"I worry a lot more now about my child being safe."
This section has information on some of the reactions you may notice in yourself.
Avoidance Symptoms
I don't want to talk or think about what happened
Why it happens: Everyone needs to take a break sometimes from thinking about or talking about a scary experience.
Is this a problem?: Do you never want to think or talk about it with anyone, or does talking about it make you feel very upset?
I want to stay away from people, places, or things that are reminders of what happened
Why it happens: After something scary happens, reminders of what happened can make us feel very anxious, and we might start to avoid those things.
Is this a problem?: Is avoiding reminders stopping you from doing things you think you should be able to do, or from enjoying activities even if you force yourself to do them?
I have lost interest in activities I usually enjoy, since the injury
Why it happens: One way we cope with overwhelming scary experiences is to "shut down" our emotions for a while.
Is this a problem?: Are there lots of thing you used to enjoy that you just don't feel like dong now? Are you feeling emotionally "numb" much of the time?
I just don't feel like being with people, since the injury
Why it happens: One way we cope with overwhelming scary experiences is to "shut down" our emotions and not feel close to other people for a while.
Is this a problem?: Are you having a really hard time feeling relaxed and close to friends and family you usually trust and like to spend time with?