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Common Reactions to Trauma

You have experienced a traumatic event. Even though the event may be over, you may now be experiencing or may experience later some strong emotional or physical reactions. It is very common, in fact, quite normal for people to experience emotional aftershocks when they have passed through a horrible event. Sometimes the emotional aftershocks (or stress reactions) appear immediately after the traumatic event. Sometimes they may appear a few hours or a few days later. And, in some cases, weeks or months may pass before the stress reactions appear. The signs or symptoms of a stress reaction may last a few days, a few weeks or a few months and occasionally longer depending on the severity of the traumatic event. With the understanding and the support of loved ones, stress reactions usually pass more quickly. Occasionally, the traumatic event is so painful that professional assistance from a counselor may be necessary. This does not imply craziness or weakness. It simply indicates that the particular trauma was just too powerful to manage without help.

Physical Signs	Cognitive Signs
Fatigue Nausea Muscle tremors Twitches Chest pain Difficulty breathing Elevated blood pressure Rapid heart rate Thirst Visual difficulties Vomiting Grinding teeth Weakness Dizziness Profuse sweating Chills Fainting	Blaming someone Confusion Poor attention Poor decisions Heightened or lowered alertness Poor concentration Memory problems Hypervigilence Difficulty identifying familiar objects/people Increased or deceased awareness of surroundings Poor problem solving Poor abstract thinking Loss of time, place or people orientation Disturbed thinking Nightmares Intrusive thoughts
Emotional Signs	Behavioral Signs
Anxiety Guilt Grief Denial Severe panic Emotional shock Fear Uncertainty Loss of emotional response Apprehension Feeling overwhelmed Intense anger Irritability Agitation	Change in activity Change in speech Withdrawal Suspiciousness Emotional outbursts Loss of appetite Alcohol consumption Inability to rest Nonspecific body complaints Hyperalert to environment Startle reflex intensified Pacing

Content for this help guide has been taken from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. (1-800-845-7771)