As we have already highlighted, a traumatic situation can affect different people in different ways. There are a wide range of symptoms associated with trauma sufferers, which is one of the main reasons why it is often misdiagnosed.

For the sufferer, the sooner these symptoms are identified and treatment sought, the quicker they are likely to improve, both personally and professionally. 

	Nightmares
	Flashbacks and hallucinations
	Disturbed sleep
	Social and Emotional Withdrawal
	A Sense of having a foreshortened future
	Inability to concentrate
	Hyper vigilance

Individuals who experience trauma injury very often go on to develop 

	Phobias/ Panic attacks
	Depression
	Increased Alcohol, Smoking and Drug Use
	Absenteeism
	Feelings of suicide and being unable to cope
	A sense of isolation

Trauma Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) exacts a great toll on sufferers. 

Medication and counselling while helping to alleviate some of the depression will not cure psychological trauma injury (see your Legal requirements on helping your organisation page). Untreated it can last a life time and in an attempt to cope with the frightening and intrusive symptoms sufferers frequently abuse alcohol and drugs thus introducing all the problems of addiction to their lives in a bid to escape the nightmares of living with trauma.

The Red Poppy Company can not only help individuals and organisations spot the symptoms of trauma, but it can provide an effective range of treatments enabling sufferers alleviate the problems caused by PTSD.