Normal Reactions to Trauma
You've just had a very difficult experience. It is very common for people to experience emotional and physical aftershocks when they have passed through a horrible event. Don't be worried. These are normal reactions of normal people going through a normal recovery from a very abnormal situation. It's OK to feel the way you do…
Sometimes these emotional and physical aftershocks (or stress reactions) appear immediately after the traumatic situation. Sometimes they may appear a few hours or a few days later. And, in some cases, weeks or months may pass before the stress reactions appear.
The signs and symptoms of a stress reaction may last a few days, a few weeks, or a few months, and occasionally longer depending on the severity of the traumatic event. With understanding and support of loved ones the stress reactions usually pass more quickly. Occasionally the traumatic event is so painful that professional assistance from a counselor may be necessary. This does not imply craziness or weakness. It simply indicates that the particular even was just too powerful for you to manage entirely on your own.
Here are some very common signs and symptoms of a stress reactions in a traumatized person:
| Physical | Thinking | Emotional |
| Nausea | Slowed thinking | Anxiety |
| Upset stomach | Difficulty making decisions | Fear |
| Tremors (lips, hands) | Confusion | Guilt |
| Diarrhea | Disorientation (especially to place and time) | Sadness |
| Chest pain (should be checked at hospital) | Difficulty concentrating | Feeling lost |
| Rapid heart beat | Memory problems | Feeling abandoned |
| Rapid breathing | Difficulty naming common objects | Worry about others |
| Increased blood pressure | Seeing the event over and over | Wanting to hide |
| Headaches | Difficulty in problem-solving | Wanting to limit contact with others |
| Muscle aches | Distressing dreams | Anger |
| Sleep disturbances, etc. | Poor attention span, etc. | Irritability |
| Profuse sweating | Depression | |
| Startled | ||
| Shock | ||
| Grief | ||
| Feeling numb |
No one can deny that this was a difficult experience for you, but it's important to know that, like the flu, your reactions will run their course and you will feel better in time. Continue to "talk out" your feelings and reactions. Withdrawal and "sealing over" can make recovery more difficult. When it's especially tough, remember, it's OK to feel the way you do…
