Reactions to a traumatic event are fairly common among all people. While different people may act in different ways depending on the event, the individual’s age, life experience, training, preparation, proximity to the event, amount of time involved in the event, etc., many people have some level of the same natural reasons, which relate to survival, resiliency, and recovery. Common stress response and tips for coping with stress
It is important to know that any reaction will likely be normal, even if it is not the same as everyone else’s. Some reactions will be mild, and others may be so strong that they may cause difficulty functioning or progressing toward recovery. Below are some signs and symptoms that are fairly common and normal, followed by some tips and suggestions on how to help yourself and others around you get your life back on track to normal.
Physical reactions:
Chills, sweating, upset stomach, headaches, rapid heart rate, vomiting, dizziness, chest pain, heavy breathing, difficulty catching breath, trembling, muscle tension or aches, or anything not part of your normal physical state.
Thought reactions:
Confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, exacerbated startle reaction, blaming, disorientation, trouble making decisions, trouble with numbers, nightmares, fleeting memories, or any difficulty thinking or changing your normal thought process.
Emotional reactions:
Fear, anger, guilt, panic, anxiety, aggression, crying spells, irritability, feeling overwhelmed or losing control, denial, depression, or any uncommon emotion.
Behavioural reactions:
Withdrawal, restlessness, changes in sleep, changes in appetite, increased use of alcohol, increased use of other substances, outbursts of anger, difficulty expressing yourself, frustration, or any behaviour that differs from your usual behaviour
Spiritual reactions:
Blaming God, feeling betrayed or abandoned by God, difficulty praying, loss of faith and hope, loss of a sense of justice, alienation from faith or religious community, or any change in their personal spirituality
What to Do or Not Do to Help Return to Normality:
- Do Some Physical Activity to Get Your Blood Circulating
- Avoid sugar, coffee, fried foods, and alcohol; drink more water than usual.
- Talk about your feelings, thoughts, and frustrations with others.
- Develop and try to follow a routine.
- Avoid excess medications, drugs, cigarettes, etc.
- Don’t make any major decisions or big changes. Give yourself time to come to your senses.
- At the same time, understand that you have choices. Make good choices.
- Eat lighter, healthier meals with smaller portions, but more often than usual.
- Get some paper (especially a journal) and write down whatever crosses your mind before lying down to rest.
- Seek help, and gently welcome those who offer it. Realize that other people are going through similar problems with you.
You are not alone. Rest, even if you can’t sleep. Rest your bones.
Trust that you will get through it and that life will be good again. Don’t forget to breathe! Take a moment to be grateful! Allow yourself to laugh!Ask for help if you need it or can’t return to normal after about a week. If you need help, call help center near by and ask for your local mental health center. Common stress response and tips for coping with stress
