Those who return home from a war zone or have experienced other kinds of trauma sometimes feel disconnected or detached from others. One of the symptoms of PTSD is difficulty feeling or expressing positive feelings. Many trauma survivors do not feel able to tell family members about what happened. Sometimes feelings of wanting to be alone or needing to avoid family gatherings can grow into isolation from the family. This may result in a loss of support, understanding, and intimacy.

Returning Veterans who suffer from PTSD symptoms may realize they are “out of line” and seek to protect others from their negative emotions. In order to do so, they may feel the need to shut down all emotions, or build a safe place in which to isolate. The family may begin to take this as being cold and distant.