Coping with Stress of Traumatic Events
Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event often experience psychological stress. In most cases, these are normal reactions to abnormal events. These stress reactions may appear immediately after the traumatic event or sometimes hours, days or weeks later. These stress reactions often vary in duration and severity. Professional assistance may prove helpful in reducing the severity and duration of these stress reactions.
Stress Reactions
- Physical reactions - sleep disturbance, fatigue, appetite changes, startle reactions, aches and pains, changes in sexual functioning, nightmares
- Emotional reactions - anxiety, fear, guilt, anger, numbing, depression, loss of control, shock, grief
- Cognitive reactions - difficulty concentrating, memory disruption, decision making difficulty, intrusive thoughts, negative self-talk
- Social reactions - not wanting to be alone, difficulty trusting, avoiding others, loss of a sense of order or fairness in the world
Coping Strategies
- Mobilize your support system; reach out to others for support
- Talk it out with "safe" and supportive people
- Respect, acknowledge, and express your feelings and thoughts
- Exercise moderately within 24 hours
- Maintain a balanced diet and sleep cycle; avoid alcohol, caffeine, other drugs, sugar, and other substances which may provide only temporary relief and complicate the recovery process
- Structure your time and schedule breaks
- Pace yourself in resuming regular routines
- Accept that things may feel disorganized or chaotic for some time
- Be extra good to yourself