What's a normal reaction to trauma vs. when should I be worried?

So, is there really a line between those "standard" symptoms you just have to ride out until they clear up, versus the ones that actually signal something more serious is going on?

Angela Newman33 said:So, is there really a line between those "standard" symptoms you just have to ride out until they clear up, versus the ones that actually signal something more serious is going on?

Look, any reaction can be considered perfectly normal as long as it’s temporary... you know, if it doesn't linger indefinitely. But if you find that after a significant amount of time, there's a fundamental shift in how you behave or how you process thoughts compared to who you used to be... then we're talking about something that isn't okay.

How much time is actually considered "normal"—is there some kind of standard we can point to, or is it just a totally individual thing?

Angela Newman33 said:How much time is actually considered "normal"—is there some kind of standard we can point to, or is it just a totally individual thing?

There are certain general frameworks we can look at, though, in reality, it’s highly individual. It all comes down to a person's specific psychological profile...

If someone is dealing with significant trauma—and let’s be honest, what counts as "significant" isn't the same for everyone—a period of a year or two isn't necessarily cause for alarm. But anything beyond that? That’s when things start looking concerning.

Is there actually any way to get insurance to cover the cost of seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist?
Or even just a chunk of it

Angela Newman33 said:Is there actually any way to get insurance to cover the cost of seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist?
Or even just a chunk of it

There is! You just have to look into it... Honestly, your best bet is to go consult with your primary care physician about the specifics.

Hey, does anyone know if there are any support groups in the States for people who have lost a family member, or something like that?
Something that the whole family can attend together, too.

I wouldn't go as far as saying they're lying—I can't be entirely certain, of course—but it feels more likely that yes, I get the sense that even the media is starting to pick up on rumors about something like this existing...

Someone just gave me a heads-up that I might be oversharing here—that people might find it hard to actually process what I'm saying

I know, I know... it feels pretty stupid to be posting about such deeply personal stuff in a public forum, but here’s the gist of what happened

My dad took his own life a few days ago. My youngest brother was the one who found him.
Given how horrific the scene was and the sheer shock of it all, I don't think any of us are ever going to be able to scrub those images from our heads.

But honestly? My biggest worry right now is my brother. He was the one who walked in on everything, and I think he's still stuck in some kind of state of total shock—it's like his brain hasn't even fully processed the reality of it yet.

So, I'm trying to gather some information—things that might help me spot certain signs or symptoms in him—just so I know if I need to get him in front of a professional who can actually help him through this.

Angela Newman33 said:Someone just gave me a heads-up that I might be oversharing here—that people might find it hard to actually process what I'm saying

I know, I know... it feels pretty stupid to be posting about such deeply personal stuff in a public forum, but here’s the gist of what happened

My dad took his own life a few days ago. My youngest brother was the one who found him.
Given how horrific the scene was and the sheer shock of it all, I don't think any of us are ever going to be able to scrub those images from our heads.

But honestly? My biggest worry right now is my brother. He was the one who walked in on everything, and I think he's still stuck in some kind of state of total shock—it's like his brain hasn't even fully processed the reality of it yet.

So, I'm trying to gather some information—things that might help me spot certain signs or symptoms in him—just so I know if I need to get him in front of a professional who can actually help him through this.

Amy 😲

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss.😢

JT, this is just a catastrophe... 👎

Since you know your brother personally, you'll likely notice changes in his behavior if anything shifts... it shouldn't be that hard to tell. Just give it some time for everything to settle, and then you'll have a better idea of what to do. I really don't know what else to say.

I lost my father too. It wasn't suicide, but he passed away right in my arms. It left its marks on me, which is only natural, but nothing that I couldn't handle—I've actually managed to turn the whole experience into something positive.

How old is your brother?

is 21 years old

Angela Newman33 said:is 21 years old

He’ll likely navigate his way through this without any lasting scars. Honestly? Just keep him busy—if he isn't already occupied, find something for him to do. Don't leave him drifting alone for too long... He needs an outlet, whether it's a hobby, a sport, or even a job (ideally something physical to burn off that energy). Just don't let him isolate himself. Stay close and be there for him while the storm finally passes.

Unfortunately, I don't live in the same city, so I had to head back home right after the funeral

Those few days leading up to everything—he was pretty shut down, you know? Just wouldn't talk about any of it, acting like he was totally fine... But honestly, he was actually the most level-headed one out of all of us. He was the one handling all the logistics and getting everything organized
I don't think we should push him, either—he'll get there when he's ready

From what I can tell, he’s grown up quite a bit. He’ll find his own way, just like you said...
Let time take its course and see where things land.

Of course, I just want to be ready to step up if he needs me—since I wasn't able to do that for my dad

So, who does your brother live with?

my mom

What’s the actual status of their relationship?

honestly
I just don't know how much she can actually help him at this point—it feels more like he’s going to end up being the one looking out for her.

And honestly, I suppose there isn't much else to do but just let some time pass...