| Trauma and its effects |
| |
| A critical incident or disaster can be an overwhelming tragedy and many people who have experienced such a traumatic event may feel distressed by disturbing and uncomfortable sensations. The following information has been developed to help you understand the impact on you, both physically and psychologically. Understanding your feelings is crucial towards recovering your pre-trauma state and you may find it helpful also to allow those close to you to read this handout as they support you. |
| |
While each person deals with unexpected incidents in his or her own way victims, witnesses, colleagues, friends and loved ones report some common reactions. You may experience the following reactions often or occasionally and varying in intensity according to circumstances.
|
 | You may feel angry and question why this has happened to you, wanting to blame someone. |
|
| You may be feeling helpless and/or confused. |
|
| You may feel angry and question why this has happened to you, wanting to blame someone. You may become irritable, experience loss of control, and question why others don’t understand you feel. |
|
| You may feel anxious about losing loved ones, the incident re-occurring or of being alone. |
|
| You may feel sad, tearful or re-experience strong feelings for other losses unrelated to this incident. Do remember crying can give relief. |
|
| You may feel exceptionally tired, drained of emotions, exhausted. |
|
| You may sometimes feel uncharacteristically cautious about everyday events – loud noises, crossing the road, cats wandering in the garden, travelling etc. |
|
| You may be unable to feel anything, leaving you numb. |
|
| This incident may remind you of other incidents, losses or bereavements in your life possibly when you least expect it. |
|
| You may be thinking about the event over and over again, finding it difficult to concentrate or make decisions. |
|
| You may experience feelings of frustration and may not be able to recall desired information or details about the event. |
|
| You may find that anger is a particularly strong emotion for you at this stage. |
|
| You may have physical injuries that cause you pain and discomfort. |
|
| You may experience sleep disturbance and find it difficult to eat and drink. |
|
| |
The above are common, normal reactions to an abnormal event. They are the body’s way of indicating the level of shock you have experienced and that you need to take care of yourself. Accidents are common during this stressful time – drive more carefully and be more careful around the home.
|
| |
| |
|
