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 and quite normal for people to experience
aftershocks when they have passed through a horrible event.
Sometimes, the emotional aftershocks (for stress reactions) appear immediately
after the traumatic event. Sometimes they may appear a few hours or a few days
later. In some cases, weeks or months may pass before the stress reactions appear.
The signs and symptoms of a stress reaction may last days, weeks, months and
occasionally longer depending on the severity of the traumatic event. With
understanding and support from your co-workers, family and friends, the stress
reactions usually pass more quickly. Occasionally, the traumatic event is
so painful that professional assistance from a counselor may be helpful.
This does not imply mental illness or weakness but it simply indicates that this
particular event was just too powerful to manage alone.
If you have physical symptoms which cause you concern, contact your physician.
Common Signs and Signals of a Stress Reaction
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Physical
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Mental
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Emotional
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Behavioral
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Fatigue
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Tendency to Blame Others
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Anxiety
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Changes in Normal Activities
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Insomnia
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Confusion
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Survivor Guilt/Self-Blame
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Change in Speech
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Muscle Tremors
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Poor Attention
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Grief
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Withdrawal from Others
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Twitches
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Inability to Make Decisions
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Denial
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Emotional Outbursts
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Difficulty Breathing
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Heightened or Lowered Alertness
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Severe Pain (Rare)
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Change in Communication
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Rapid Breathing
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Poor Concentration
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Fear of Loss/of Going Crazy
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Suspiciousness
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Elevated Blood Pressure
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Forgetfulness
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Uncertainty
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Inability to Rest
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Rapid Heartbeat
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Trouble Identifying Known Objects or People
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Loss of Emotional Control
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Substance Abuse
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Chest Pain
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Increased or Decreased Awareness of Surroundings
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Emotional Numbness
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Intensified Startle Reflex
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Headaches
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Poor Problem-Solving
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Depression
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Antisocial Acts
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Visual Difficulties
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Loss of Sense of Time, Place or Person
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Lack of Capacity for Enjoyment
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Pacing
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Nausea/Vomiting
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Disturbed Thinking
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Apprehension
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Erratic Movements
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Thirst
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Nightmares
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Intense Anger
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Decreased Personal Hygiene
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Hunger
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Inescapable Images
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Irritability
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Diminished Sexual Drive
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Dizziness
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Flashbacks
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Agitation
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Appetite Disturbance
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Excessive Sweating
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Suicidal Ideas
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Helplessness
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Prolonged Silences
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Chills
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Disbelief
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Mistrust
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Accident Prone
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Weakness
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Change in Values
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Feelings of Worthlessness
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Fainting
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Search for Meaning
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Apathy/Boredom
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