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Common
Psychological and Emotional Reactions Following a Crisis or Trauma
What
Are Some Normal Reactions to Abnormally Stressful Events?
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Numbness
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Shock,
feeling stunned
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Depression,
irritability, unhappiness
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Mood
swings
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Fear
that the event will recur
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Difficulty
talking about what happened
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Feeling
helpless
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Startle
responses (jumpiness)
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Wishing
that the event never happened
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Sleep
disturbance
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Nightmares,
upsetting dreams
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Problems
with concentration or memory
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Fatigue,
low energy
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Self-blame
or self-depreciation
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A sense of
unreality about what happened
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Feeling
overwhelmed
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Fears, uncertainties,
apprehension
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Reluctance to
share feelings or talk about what happened
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Sadness,
anger, grief
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Recurrent
thoughts about the event
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Hyperarousal,
feeling keyed up, on edge, muscle tension
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When Do
Normal Post-Crisis Reactions Become Serious Enough to Seek Assistance?
1. If
they persist beyond one month
2. Increased isolation or withdrawal from others
3. Significant increase in use of alcohol or other drugs
4. Loss of interest in church attendance/faith
5. Outbursts of anger, crying, irritability, or blaming others
6. Problems associated with intimacy and sexual relationships
7. Development of bodily symptoms not present before the crisis:
- persistent
cold or virus
- headaches,
diarrhea, chest pain
- muscle tension,
high blood pressure
8. Loss of interest
in work/school or previously enjoyed activities
9. Inability to discuss your feelings about what happened in the crisis
Can Emotional Reactions
Affect My Work and Personal Life?
Yes. When your customary
ability to function in school, at work, or in leisure activities are effected
by emotional states or personal distress, it is time to seek assistance.
Can Psychological Reactions
be Delayed in Onset After a Crisis?
Yes. Some people do not
feel the full emotional impact of a crisis or trauma for weeks, months, and,
in rare instances, years following the event.
What Helps the Stress
Recovery Process Following a Crisis?
Within the First 24-48 Hours:
- Express your feelings
and reactions about what happened.
- Seek emotional support
and comfort. Talk with trusted friends, family members, and colleagues.
- Accept that you have
been through a difficult time and that eventually life will return to normal.
- Limit your expectations
for what you can accomplish every day until the stress begins to diminish.
- Try to relax: exercise
and engage in low stress activities that demand little personal effort.
- Get plenty of rest and
enough sleep.
- Maintain a regular,
healthy diet.
- Limit your alcohol intake.
- Try to maintain a structured
daily routine.
- Avoid other stressful
events or responsibilities that would cause too much overload.
You may also want to:
- Seek professional counseling
from a licensed psychologist, certified counselor or certified social worker
who has trauma, disaster, or stress education and training. ASU Counseling
and Consultation or the Employee
Assistance Office (480-965-2271) will be able to help you with services.
- Talk to your local clergy
person/spiritual advisor.
- Consult a mental health
professional or your family physician if you are having problems with sleep,
hyperarousal (tension, keyed up), depression, problems with concentration,
bodily symptoms, suicidal or homicidal thoughts.
- Learn about post-traumatic
reactions by reading relevant materials (books, pamphlets).
* Adapted from the American
Red Cross, 3/97
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