Articles-Coping with Trauma

Articles

Coping with Trauma

THE AFTEREFFECTS OF KATRINA AND 9/11 WILL NOT GO AWAY OVERNIGHT

We have all have encountered a stressful event outside of the realm of usual human experience. As a victim of this type of stress, you can expect to experience the after effects to varying degrees. This handout is designed to help you understand your reactions, and help you cope with the emotions that are stirred up by the recent tragedies. Whenever there is a trauma, tragedy or natural disaster it has ripple effects throughout the community, your family and loved ones. Acknowledging these emotional reactions helps to shorten recovery time and prevent complications through the natural healing process.

EXPECTED EMOTIONAL REACTIONS

Feelings: Sad, scared, angry, irritable, feeling numb, or confused

Difficulty concentrating, making decisions and thinking creatively

Feeling guilty that others have suffered more than you have

Recall of past traumas or losses

Fear of leaving loved ones or your home

Discomfort being alone

Disbelief

Flashbacks

Sleep disturbance

Increase or decrease of sexual drive

Minimizing the traumatic event

Forgetfulness

Cold-like symptoms

Sense that life is out of balance

Increase/decrease in appetite

Increased substance use

Increased risk of suicide

Social Withdrawal

Feelings of being "out of control"

Fears of "going crazy"

Loss of feeling secure in the world

Self doubt or change in self-confidence

NORMAL REACTIONS

Reactions can vary widely from one day to the next.

Don't be alarmed by the re-emergence of emotional feelings after days, weeks, or months

If you have kept yourself busy, you may find that you experience these reactions on a different timetable than others do.

NOTE: People with medical conditions, a history of trauma, physical abuse and war veterans may experience more intense reactions, flashbacks and other symptoms.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

Don't push thoughts and memories of the event away, it is critical to talk about them.

Don't feel embarrassed about a repetitious need to talk to people.

Be compassionate of yourself: allow extra time to do usual tasks - you may be distracted and not be as efficient as usual.

Keep your life in balance, remember to:

Eat properly, get enough sleep and exercise

Balance your work with rest

Avoid new major projects in life

Keep a familiar routine with familiar people and surroundings

WHEN TO SEEK ADDITIONAL HELP
Do not hesitate to make contact with trained counselors or clergy whenever the following events occur:

Whenever your normal sleep is significantly disrupted. If you are bothered by persistent sadness, irritability, or nervousness.

Call for help if you have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

Call if substance abuse increases.

Give yourself time to let the normal healing process unfold. If a gradual reduction in symptoms does not occur, call for further assistance.

When you or your family have any questions regarding what you are feeling.

If you notice any significant changes in normal family patterns.

RESOURCES

Local community mental health centers, crisis lines and drop in clinics.
Because of their history, people with medical conditions, a history of trauma, physical abuse and war veterans may experience increased symptoms which will be eased by professional help.
Victims of Crime can receive assistance by calling (800) 877 8776

LINKS FOR TRAUMA SURVIVORS

Information about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other information of interest is available from American Psychological Help Center.

Sesame Street program for parents, teachers and counselors working with children following the Columbine tragedy : Tragic Times, Healing Words

For help, call National Crisis Resource Center, 800-273-TALK (8255) or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org which will direct you to a local resource center.

Disclaimer: This website is designed for educational purposes, and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological care. If you require urgent medical or psychological services please consult a qualified professional in your area, or call 911.

Your Privacy is Important: An increasing number of therapists discourage sending confidential information over the Internet since the Patriot Act allows the reading of private emails. Additionally there may be other issues with maintaining confidentiality via the Internet. To discuss Dr. Steiner's local psychotherapy services for adults, and consultation services, please send an email to send your phone number, and a variety of times when it would be convenient for her to return your call.