"Red Flags: Signs Your Body Is Telling You It's In Distress"
There is a reason for every behaviour. When we notice that someone is behaving a certain way, we get a glimpse of what it is that person may be needing. For example, If a baby is crying, we know that the baby needs food, attention, or a change of diaper. Then we feel the need to help the person meet her needs.
For example, we would give a hug (consolation) to someone who looks sad.
Red Flags
Red flags are the signs that tell us we are in distress and in need of some self-care. Just as a fever means we need to rest our body, these red flags tell us that we need to take care of our emotional health. Self-care does not mean we are "babying" ourselves. Self-care is a necessary tool that all successful people have. Self-care is the basis of time management and productivity.
People that have PTSD or substance abuse tend to push these red flags out of their minds unconsciously and are not able to see the signs. They may also not be aware of why they feel a certain way and why they are acting in a certain way.
Notice these red flags and VALIDATE THAT THEY ARE THERE FOR A REASON. They are not signs for weakness. They are healthy, normal signals that tells us to attend to ourselves.
As you read over the list, think about which ones are your red flags.
- Isolation
- Not taking care of my body (food, sleep)
- Fighting with people
- Too much free time
- Destructive behaviour (cutting, destroying property)
- Feeling stuck
- Lying
- Negative feelings being acted out
- Canceling treatment sessions
- Refraining from medications or taking more/less than prescribed
- Passivity ("why bother?")
- Becoming cynical and negative
- Not fighting PTSD symptoms (such as dissociation and self-cutting)
- Not learning new coping skills
- Becoming physically sick or tired
- Believing treatment is unnecessary
- Spending time with people who use harmful substances
- Cannot hear feedback
- Having too much responsibility
- Having thoughts that people are trying to make me look and feel bad
- Stop caring/trying
- Arrogant euphoria
- Absence from work or school
- Losing touch with my values
- Anxious & seeking validation from others (asking people if I'm ugly, etc)
Important: Talk About Your Feelings
As the red flags increases along with distress, it is ESSENTIAL that you talk about your feelings. If you don't talk it out, you will act it out.
Help From Others Is More Crucial Than You Think
People with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or substance abuse have a hard time getting help from others. This is because of their tendency for isolation.
