Traumatic Events
Severely stressful, sudden, or scary events may be considered traumatic, and may overwhelm the coping skills that we usually rely on to deal with stress. In the days and weeks following a traumatic event, it is normal to experience a number of the reactions below.
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Cognitive Reactions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Flashbacks of the event
- Memory disturbance
- Difficulty making decisions
- Isolation or withdrawal
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Physical Reactions
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Change in sleep patterns
- Headaches
- Digestive problems
- Change in appetite
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Emotional Reactions
- Guilt
- Anger
- Hyper-vigilance
- Feeling numb
- Moodiness
- Feeling helpless
- Self-doubt
- Frustration
- Sadness
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DOs for Recovering from a Traumatic Event
- DO try to maintain normal routines for eating, sleeping, and exercising
- DO spend time with trusted, supportive people, and talk about how you are doing
- DO engage in intentional self-care, making time for simple things that you can find relaxing and enjoyable
- DO allow yourself to feel a variety of feelings. Remember that your responses are normal and temporary.
- DO see a mental health professional if symptoms persist or greatly impact day-to-day functioning
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DON’Ts for Recovering from a Traumatic Event
- DON’T rely on drugs and alcohol to cope; this will likely worsen symptoms in the long run.
- DON’T isolate yourself or reject the support of others, even if you’re not sure what to say or do.
- DON’T expect yourself to recover immediately. Trust that with time and patience, you will feel better.
- DON’T engage in extreme avoidance of situations associated with the event. Gradually dealing with thoughts and fears related to the event can help you recover.
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Books
Some books may be available through Boatwright and others are linked to Amazon but please choose whatever book store you would like to support!
- Online Resources
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Campus Resources
Some resources adapted from Appalachian State University Counseling Center