The link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and isolation due to social anxiety is undeniable, and many people living with PTSD withdraw from the community because of intense feelings of anxiety. If you have a loved one who’s been diagnosed with PTSD and notice signs of social withdrawal, it’s important to understand how to approach them about this sensitive topic and find ways to support them through their experience.
An estimated 3.9% of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Living with someone with PTSD or C-PTSD (complex PTSD) provides insight into their social activity and makes it easier to identify signs of isolation quickly. This gives you an opportunity to encourage them to seek help for the struggles they’re facing.
Understanding Why Your Loved One Is Self-Isolating
Social withdrawal is common among people experiencing this disorder. Understanding why your loved one is seeking solitude when they were previously quite sociable can help you approach them compassionately and encourage them to seek treatment.
So, why do people with PTSD isolate themselves from society? In many cases, their self-isolation may not be a conscious decision. People with PTSD may socially isolate themselves to avoid a negative response to their behavior. Symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Irritability/angry outbursts
- Being on the lookout for potential threats
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Being easily frightened or startled
These behaviors can elicit negative reactions from others. Explaining what’s going on in the moment may seem like too difficult a task for someone experiencing social anxiety.
Individuals living with PTSD may also fall into a cycle of anxiety, making it difficult for them to socialize and heightening their sensitivity to triggers. If they do socialize, they may put pressure on themselves to behave in a specific way. If the event doesn’t go as planned or they need to remove themselves early, this simply makes them feel worse. Breaking that cycle is key to helping people with PTSD rejoin normal life.
Someone with post-traumatic stress disorder may also self-isolate to avoid being triggered and to develop a relative feeling of safety. To your loved one with PTSD, the benefits of seclusion may appear to be:
- Fewer potential triggers
- A peaceful environment
- A way to take back control of their life by preventing unwanted events
- A chance to rest because they’re exhausted from constantly anticipating a negative emotional reaction
Remember that your loved one likely isn’t making a conscious decision to self-isolate. It’s probably a culmination of many small choices they’ve made to skip social events or not answer a phone call that ultimately leads them to a state of total isolation.
The Cycle of PTSD and Isolation
The cycle of isolation is used to explain various stages of isolation in individuals with PTSD. The three phases of the cycle are:
- Hyperarousal
- Intrusion
- Constriction
Each phase of the cycle of PTSD withdrawal refers to the feelings and experiences the person has when isolating. In the hyperarousal stage, the individual is alert and guarded. They may overreact to situations as a result of their high level of tension. The intrusion stage is when the person experiences unwanted thoughts; they may be reliving their traumatic experience over and over again in their mind. In the constriction stage, the person feels numb inside and may lose their sense of self.
In all these stages, the individual is inclined to isolate themselves from social settings. However, the reasons for isolating differ in each phase.
The Risks of Social Isolation Due to PTSD
Although self-isolation can initially be comforting to someone with PTSD because it minimizes potential triggers, it’s not a healthy state to live in. Your loved one is at risk of developing further mental health issues as a result of prolonged solitude.
Prolonged isolation can result in:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Reduced immune function
- Sleepiness
Loneliness may also be correlated with an increased risk of developing dementia.
Ways to Support a Loved One With PTSD and Social Anxiety
Seeing your loved one struggle with complex PTSD and isolation can be a challenging experience, and you may not instinctively know how to help them. It’s critical to be intentional about how you approach the topic of seeking professional help or offering support to someone with PTSD. Their reaction to these advances may be negative, and it could push them further away from you if they don’t feel truly understood.
To avoid triggering your loved one with attempts to “fix” their behavior, approach the situation as a supportive listener. Always take things at the pace your loved one is comfortable with, and don’t push them to seek help before they’re ready. Consider these tips for holding a productive and supportive conversation with your loved one:
- Be intentional about when and where you talk. Don’t spring a conversation about their behavior or disorder on your loved one at a random moment, especially not during a heated discussion. Respect that they’re isolating to create a calm, peaceful environment. Help maintain that safety by selecting a comfortable, safe space, such as their home, to talk to them without distractions. Be sure to listen to anything they choose to share with you. Don’t tell them you understand what they’re going through; instead, accept that their experience is unique and do your best to learn about it from them.
- Don’t push them. If the conversation becomes tense or you can sense that your loved one is starting to become triggered by what you’re saying, be the one who takes a step back so they don’t have to. Respect their reaction and don’t guilt them or shame them for it. Be willing to take a break and revisit the topic another time.
- Take suicidal ideation seriously. If your loved one shares with you that they’re having suicidal thoughts, respond swiftly but calmly. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day to support individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Alternatively, consulting a trained mental health professional, such as the team at Restore Mental Health, may be beneficial.
Encourage Your Loved One to Seek Help
Social isolation and avoidance symptoms are common in people with PTSD, but with a thoughtful approach, you can encourage your loved one to seek treatment. At Restore, we have a team of professional counselors on standby 24-7 to take your call. Contact us today to discuss how we can help your loved one with PTSD develop a treatment plan that meets their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Isolating Yourself a Normal Trauma Response?
Yes, self-isolation is a common response to trauma. In many cases, individuals struggling with PTSD don’t intend to isolate themselves but gradually develop a pattern of avoiding social interactions due to anxiety or fear of encountering triggers.
How Does Isolation Impact Mental Health?
Isolation can lead to symptoms of anxiety or depression becoming more severe. Withdrawing from a support network can make day-to-day challenges feel more difficult and lead to individuals living with PTSD finding it harder to face their triggers.
