How to Heal From Our Nation’s Most Traumatic Event

You, or someone you care about, has been closely involved with a traumatic event. As a result, you may now be having a traumatic stress reaction.

Traumatic stress reactions vary in intensity and can be mild, moderate, or very strong.
However, they are normal.

People all across the country are having stress reactions.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON STRESS REACTIONS?

You may be feeling exhausted.
You may have headaches or anxiety
It might be hard for you to sleep
You may have bad dreams, irritability, loss of appetite or feelings of numbness
You may feel confused, and have trouble concentrating
You may feel afraid
You may be feeling nervous or helpless.
You may be feeling sad or depressed
You may keep thinking about the event over and over, even when you don't want to.

HOW LONG WILL THESE REACTIONS LAST?

As time passes (days or weeks) your traumatic stress reaction should get weaker, and your symptoms will occur less often. And when this happens you will return to normal again.
The time it takes to recover will vary. Much like the flue, your stress reactions to the event must run their course.
Just remember to accept these reactions as normal, and they will ease in time.

WHAT CAN I DO TO FEEL BETTER?

Stay in touch with others
Don't isolate yourself.
Talk it out with people. Talk is a very healing medicine.
Allow supportive people to assist you
Reach out to people who care- family, friends, clergy, counselors. Stay Active.
Maintain a normal, active and productive schedule; modify as necessary.
Physical exercise (within your normal limits) is one of the best ways to reduce stress.
Do things that you enjoy.
Help Others (It will help you, too.)
Realize that those around you are also under stress.
Assist family members who are experiencing stress, also.
Help friends, How are they doing? Helping them helps you.
Take care of yourself
Exercise regularly to burn away stress chemicals in your body.
Avoid stressful situations for awhile.
Have some relaxing times.
Take care of yourself
Don't abuse drugs or alcohol. This can hinder and delay recovery.
Eat well-balanced, regular meals (even if you don't feel like it).
Get plenty of rest; remember that sleep disturbance is common, too.
Avoid hazardous activities- there is an increased likelihood of accidents.
Delay making major life decisions until your stress level lowers (symptoms decrease significantly).

WHAT IF I BEGIN TO FEEL WORSE?

If your reactions get worse, this simply means that the event was so strong that it pushed you past your normal coping ability. If things do get worse, consider talking to a professional who understands traumatic stress reactions. Your Employee Assistance Program can help you.