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We have all experienced a series of shocking and traumatic events as we listened to radios and watched on television, witnessing the horrible deaths of probably thousands of people. Even though the events may be over, you may now be experiencing, or may experience later, some strong emotional or physical reactions. It is very common, in fact quite normal, for people to experience emotional aftershocks in situations like this.
Reactions to severe stress can appear immediately or be delayed by days or even weeks, and the severity and length of reactions can vary widely. One person may have some symptoms, and the next person will have others, or none at all.
Though not an exhaustive list, here are some common signs and signals of a stress reaction:
| Physical |
Cognitive |
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Grinding of Teeth
- Difficulty breathing
- Elevated Blood Pressure
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- Confusion
- Nightmares
- Uncertainty
- Hypervigilance
- Intrusive images
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty making decisions
- Increased/Decreased awareness of surroundings
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| Emotional |
Behavioral |
- Numbness
- Anxiety
- Grief
- Irritability
- Intense Anger
- Depression
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Emotional shock
- Agitation
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- Withdrawal
- Inability to rest
- Change in speech patterns
- Increased alcohol use
- Change in eating patterns
- Shortness with people
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Again, these are NORMAL reactions to a traumatic stressor.
Some things to try that might help:
- Within the first 24-48 hours: periods of appropriate physical exercise alternated with relaxation may help alleviate some of the physical reactions.
- Talk to people; friends, co-workers, family
- Give yourself permission to feel whatever you feel, and share your feelings with others
- You're having normal reactions - don't label yourself as crazy
- Beware of numbing pain with drugs or alcohol
- Reach out - people do care
- Maintain some structure to your schedule
- Be available to your friends and co-workers
- Eat when you're hungry and stop when you're not hungry
- Get plenty of fluids (water, juice) and rest
For Co-workers, Friends and Family:
- Listen carefully
- Spend time together, but balance it by giving them private time also
- Offer your assistance and a listening ear if they haven't asked for help
- Don't take their anger or other feelings personally
- Don't try to "fix things", just listen.
The Employee Assistance Counseling/Consultation program is available to both employees and supervisors to assist people who are having difficulty getting through the impact of the tragedy. We recommend that you please call 621-2493 both for individual help or for help with small groups.
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