WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE A TRAUMATIC EVENT

Was It a Traumatic Event? PTSD: The Symptoms Preventing PTSD If you were threatened with death or bodily The following are some of the key symptoms of Post- Avoiding PTSD is more likely when vic- harm, or witnessed the death or bodily harm traumatic Stress Disorder. tims talk about their experience, especially of another person, or at least the threat of it, with fellow victims. One-on-one counseling you have experienced a traumatic event. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, it is important to can also be helpful, but group work is espe- Emergency workers also call these “critical seek treatment rather than tolerating symptoms that cially effective. This is called a “critical can interfere with your life. Untreated, some of these incidents.” They produce traumatic stress. symptoms may linger for many years. incident stress debriefing (CISD).” Partici- pate in such a group if it is offered. The Traumatic Stress Symptoms 1) Unwanted or uncontrollable memories of the assault on your brain by images and infor- traumatic event that may include thoughts, mation from a traumatic event triggers the The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on sounds, smells, and images. release of powerful brain chemicals that the U.S. were traumatic events that pro- 2) Disturbing dreams about the event. manage stress. This is normal, but a CISD duced enormous stress for millions of peo- 3) Periodically feeling as though the traumatic helps prevent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ple. Many people suffered psychological event is still being experienced by re-living it in that can result from your brain’s response effects from the attacks for months, even detail or having flashbacks. to trauma. A CISD will also help return you those who were not nearby. 4) Intense anxiety when you are reminded of the traumatic event by something unrelated directly to a normal “pre-trauma” state more quick- to it. Common stress reactions to traumatic events 5) Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or conversations include changes in appetite and digestive with others who want to talk about the event. Do’s and Don’ts problems, difficulty sleeping, headaches, 6) Avoiding activities or persons that remind you of anger, hyper-vigilance, suspicion, depres- the traumatic event. After a Traumatic Event, Do: sion, crying spells, feelings of powerless- 7) Lost memories concerning significant parts of ▪ Exercise to alleviate physical reactions. ness, feeling overwhelmed, moodiness and the event. ▪ Talk about the event with others who care. irritability, anxiety about the future, loss of 8) Emotionally numb sensations—being unable to ▪ Ask for help, if you need it. concentration, worry, withdrawal from oth- experience certain feelings, especially those ▪ Try to keep on a normal schedule. associated with vulnerability such as love, or ers, nightmares, and more. ▪ Get plenty of rest. Drink plenty of fluids. intimacy with a significant other. ▪ Eat regular, well-balanced meals. 9) Sleep problems. 10) Difficulty managing anger, and feeling more After a Traumatic Event, Don’t: Managing Traumatic Stress anger than a specific event should evoke. 11) Problems concentrating. ▪ Label your reactions as “crazy.” Just like a physical injury that should re- 12) Often feeling “jumpy” or being easily startled. ▪ Make sudden, big life changes. ceive treatment, studies show that traumatic ▪ Isolate or withdraw from others. stress should be managed to prevent harm- ▪ Drink alcohol alleviate difficult feelings. ful effects on health and well-being. If (This disturbs restful sleep crucial to psy- stress symptoms emerge or linger after a chological recovery.) traumatic event, and you deny their exist- ▪ Tell yourself to “snap out of it.” ence or minimize their importance, you ▪ “Thought-block” (forcing yourself increase the risk of an acute stress reaction not to think about the event.) Let memo- and a stress induced illness. ries occur naturally. They will pass.

PTSD: The Stress Illness What the EAP Can Do Fortunately, most people recover from The EAP can help you evaluate the effect of traumatic stress symptoms, but some do a traumatic event on your life and can offer not. These people may incur Posttrau- suggestions about how to bounce back. matic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is Traumatic events may include accidents and a debilitating illness that follows a trau- close calls, natural disasters, sexual assault, matic event. It is diagnosed when trau- past childhood sexual abuse, and many matic stress symptoms persist for more forms of victimization. The EAP can also than one month after the event. PTSD discuss symptoms with you and provide can adversely affect your personal life more information about resources and coun- and job functioning. seling help.

This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Talk to your © 2007 DFA E006 health care provider or EAP for advice about a personal concern or medical condition.