TRAUMATIC INCIDENTS
If you have been involved in a traumatic incident you are
likely to have some form of reaction to it. These reactions
may happen immediately or may not occur for weeks, months
or occasionally years after the incident. Not everyone suffers
reactions but the majority of us do. These reactions are
likely to be worse if:-
~The traumatic incident was caused by deliberate violence,
or happened suddenly/unexpectedly, or in horrifying circumstances.
~You had a feeling of helplessness or of wanting to have
done more.
~This stress came on top of other stresses in your life.
~You do not have good support from family, friends or colleagues.
What follows has been compiled from the experiences of others
who have been involved in traumatic incidents.
EMOTIONAL REACTIONS
Your emotions or feelings are likely to be in chaos
after the event or you may be feeling nothing. Some of the
more common emotional reactions are listed below.
~Guilt. For not having done more. For having survived
when
others didn't.
~Anger. At what happened. At whoever caused the incident-or
allowed it to
happen. At the injustice or senselessness of it. At not
being understood by others.
~Fear. Of breaking down or loosing control. Of a similar
event happening again and
not being able to cope.
~Shame. For not having reacted as you might have wanted
to.
For feeling helpless. emotional and wanting others to be
with
you.
~Sadness. About the circumstances of the incident. You
my feel depressed
without knowing why.
MENTAL REACTIONS
You may find that you cannot stop thinking about
the incident, dream about it or suffer loss of memory, concentration
or motivation. You may experience flash-backs (feeling that
part of the incident is happening again). You may hate to
be reminded of it. You could feel that you are always on
your guard or are easily startled.
PHYSICAL REACTIONS
You may experience tiredness, sleeplessness nightmare,
dizziness, palpitations, shakes, difficulty in breathing,
tightness in the throat and chest, sickness, diarrhoea,
menstrual problems, changes in sexual interest or eating
habits and many other symptoms, frequently without making
a connection with the incident.
OTHER DIFFICULTIES
You may feel hurt and your relationships with others
particularly your partner, may feel under strain. You may
find yourself taking your anger out on your partner or family.
You may not be aware that you are doing this and your partner
will probably not understand that this is part of your reaction
to the incident. You may find yourself emotionally withdrawing
from your close relationships. You may reject the support
of those closest to you.
You may find that the incident has reminded you of some
past trauma in your life. Such feelings could come back
with all their original force. They may also need to be
dealt with.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP
Nature often heals by allowing the feelings to come out
and by making you want to talk about the incident. Talking
about your feeling with your partner or a sympathetic listener
is very helpful. Take the opportunity if it arises.
It will probably help those closest to you to understand
and support you more effectively if you show them this information.
Talking to a trained counsellor or telephoning ASSIST
is often a great help and can reduce much of the tension
and anxiety. Trying to a void your feelings, or trying to
avoid thinking or talking about the incident in the belief
that you can cope is dangerous and can lead to the storing
up of problems which may come out later in the form or worse
physical or nervous difficulties.
WHEN TO LOOK FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP
~ If you feel that you cannot handle intense feelings or
body sensations, or if you feel that your emotions are not
falling into place over a period of time and/or you feel
chronic tension, emptiness or exhaustion.
~ If after a short period of time you continue to feel
numb empty and you do not have any feelings.
~ If you have to keep active in an attempt to suppress
your feelings.
~ If you have nightmares or are sleeping badly.
~ If your relationships are suffering or sexual problems
develop.
~If you start to have accidents at work or your performance
suffers.
* If you start to smoke or drink to excess.
~ If you are suffering from anxiety or depression.
~ If you cannot control your memories of the incident and
they are affecting your personal wellbeing.
~ If you have no one to share your emotions with and feel
you need to do so.
DO REMEMBER
~ THAT TALKING ABOUT THE INCIDENT AND YOUR FEELINGS CAN
HELP.
~ THAT ATTEMPTING TO SUPPRESS YOUR FEELINGS CAN CREATE FURTHER
PROBLEMS.
If you feel that you would benefit from talking, in confidence,
to someone who will offer you support and understanding
please telephone ASSIST
Information Courtesy of ASSIST:
Assist is an organisation dedicated to offering support,
understanding and friendship to individuals and families
affected by Trauma
The Penthouse
11 Bank Street
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV21 2QE
Tel : 01788 551919
Helpline : 01788 560800
Email : assist@traumatic-stress.freeserve.co.uk
