Traumatic Stress in Depth

After experiencing a critical incident, individuals exhibit stress reactions in various ways. Reactions can be:

Cognitive (thinking) reactions
Memory problems
Loss of objectivity
Time distortion
Confusion
Inability to concentrate
Guilt
Preoccupation with the event
Inability to understand consequences of behaviour
Recurring dreams or nightmares
Body intrusions

Common emotional (or affective) reactions:

Shock, numbness, disbelief, and disconnection
Feeling high, heroic, or invulnerable
Feelings of gratefulness for being alive, relief, and euphoria
Feeling isolated, detached, lost or abandoned
Anxiety, irritability, anger, or resentment
Mood swings
Sadness and tearfulness
Despair and hopelessness

Common behavioural reactions:

Difficulty communicating
Decreased efficiency and effectiveness of activity
Outbursts of anger, increased conflict with others
Increased use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
Hyperactivity or inability to rest
Family conflict
Crying spells
Isolation or withdrawal
High risk behaviour
Separation anxiety

Common physical reactions:

Rapid heart beat
Headaches, faintness, or dizziness
Feeling a “lump in the throat”
Exaggerated startle reaction
Fatigue and exhaustion
Difficulty eating
Muscle aches
Stomach aches
Sleep difficulties
Agitation
Worsening of health problems

Common spiritual reactions

Anger at God/Allah
Strengthening of faith
Newfound faith
Withdrawal from fait-based community