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Surviving a traumatic event

1/20/2020

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​Surviving a traumatic event

by Derrick Hall, Corporate Chaplain
​After a traumatic event, people may go through a wide range of normal responses. Such reactions may be experienced not only by people who experienced the trauma first-hand, but by those who have witnessed or heard about the trauma, or been involved with those immediately affected.

​Many reactions can be triggered by persons, places, or things associated with the trauma. Some reactions may appear totally unrelated.
​
Here is a list of common physical and emotional reactions to trauma, as well as a list of helpful coping strategies. These are NORMAL reactions to ABNORMAL events.


Physical Reactions
  • aches and pains like headaches, backaches, stomach aches
  • sudden sweating and/or heart palpitations (fluttering)
  • changes in sleep patterns, appetite, interest in sex
  • constipation or diarrhea
  • easily startled by noises or unexpected touch
  • more susceptible to colds and illnesses
  • increased use of alcohol or drugs and/or overeating

Emotional Reactions
  • shock and disbelief
  • fear and/or anxiety
  • grief, disorientation, denial
  • hyper-alertness or hypervigilance
  • irritability, restlessness, outbursts of anger or rage
  • emotional swings -- like crying and then laughing
  • worrying or ruminating -- intrusive thoughts of the trauma
  • nightmares
  • flashbacks -- feeling like the trauma is happening now
  • feelings of helplessness, panic, feeling out of control
  • increased need to control everyday experiences
  • minimizing the experience
  • attempts to avoid anything associated with trauma
  • tendency to isolate oneself
  • feelings of detachment
  • concern over burdening others with problems
  • emotional numbing or restricted range of feelings
  • difficulty trusting and/or feelings of betrayal
  • difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • feelings of self-blame and/or survivor guilt
  • shame
  • diminished interest in everyday activities or depression
  • unpleasant past memories resurfacing
  • suicidal thoughts
  • loss of a sense of order or fairness in the world; expectation of doom and fear of the future
  • anger towards religion or belief system; loss of beliefs
  • desire for revenge

Helpful Coping Strategies
  • mobilize a support system -- reach out and connect with others, especially those who may have shared the stressful event
  • talk about the traumatic experience with empathic listeners
  • cry
  • drink water to stay hydrated
  • hard exercise like jogging, aerobics, bicycling, walking
  • relaxation exercise like yoga, stretching, massage
  • humor
  • prayer and/or listen to music
  • hot baths
  • art
  • maintain balanced diet and sleep cycle as much as possible
  • avoid over-using stimulants like caffeine, sugar, or nicotine
  • commitment to something personally meaningful and important every day
  • hug those you love, pets included
  • eat some food
  • proactive responses toward personal and community safety -- organize or do something socially active
  • write about your experience -- in detail, just for yourself or to share with others

If you’re interested in more of the benefits a corporate chaplain can have inside your place of business, please reach out; I’d love to visit with you. Email me: dhall@ccchaps.org
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  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • FOUNDERS >
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    • CHAP vs. EAP >
      • Employee Assistance Program
      • Supplemental Support Program
      • Customized Options >
        • Service Options One
        • Service Options Two
        • Service Options Three
        • Fee Options
    • Role of A Chaplain
  • SERVICES
    • Workplace Chaplaincy
    • Healthcare Chaplaincy >
      • Healthcare - Patient
      • Healthcare - Provider
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      • Coaching Services
  • FAQ
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