A person on Quora asked this question. This is how I answered it:
This is an interesting question.
Trauma can show itself in various ways. Here are some of them:
1) The person is triggered by things that others say hitting too close to what occurred or who may have caused their trauma. The person may get very angry with you yelling or throwing things depending on how emotionally traumatized they are.
2) The person tells you what you can and cannot say and do around them wanting you to walk on eggshells around them.
3) They make you wrong for having your opinions.
4) If you dare do anything that the person feels is harmful to them they will let you know in no uncertain terms.
5) They may isolate themself to not have to deal with others.
6) They may not get much sleep or sleep too much.
7) They may eat much more than they need.
8) They may develop mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other emotionally based problems.
9) They may manipulate you to do those things they want you to do but that they do not want to do themselves, especially around household chores or maybe even holding a job.
10) They make excuses for their behavior.
There are many more but these are the ones that come to my mind.
When one is around another who has experienced trauma it is important to do what you can to be sensitive to it without feeling like you are walking on eggs around the person. If it feels like you have to walk on eggs around the person to keep the person from demonstrating negative behavior, it is time to do what you can to limit your time around them. You are not a therapist most likely so it is not your job to make sure that you do not do anything to trigger them.
Thank you for the question.
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About Suzanne
Suzanne Kellner-Zinck founded Dawning Visions Hypnosis in 2002, She has become an innovator in the use of hypnotism and neuro-linguistic programming in the areas of obsessive compulsive disorders such as: eating disorders, sexual addiction and substance abuse as well as working with those with anxiety and mood disorders.
Her clients have come to work with her from across the United States and as far away as Africa to help them to finally be freed from these emotional issues that once ruled their lives. Today she is in the process of bringing her work to many more in the form of ebooks and other downloadable formats.
She is a member of American Holistic Medical Association and the American College for Advancement in Medicine.
Prior to founding Dawning Visions Hypnosis, Kellner-Zinck worked within vendor programs for the mentally ill working to help them to live up to their fullest potential. Many of her previous clients were able to move out on their own and find fulfilling work.
Kellner-Zinck is a Certified Trainer of Hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic programing through Tad James Company, Inc. and a Master Hypnotist and Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming through Advanced Neuro Dynamics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and political studies from Curry College.
Dawning Visions Hypnosis is teaching people that they can indeed leave their unwanted behaviors behind as they move forward to living fulfilling and joy filled lives.