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Tragedies,
Traumas, & Crises
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here for information for self care
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here for information for significant others
Trauma
is a catastrophic experience for anyone. Regardless of personal
background, life experiences, or history, each of us can develop symptoms
of acute stress after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. So,
even the strongest of us can have problems after a tragic event.
After witnessing or experiencing a trauma, individuals often experience a
set of symptoms. Everyone does not experience the same set, nor does
anyone experience all of them. The most commonly reported are listed
below. It is expected and normal to experience some of these symptoms. The
symptoms may begin during, immediately after, soon after, or not-so-soon
after the event.
Experiencing a set of these symptoms does not mean that you are going
crazy. It does not mean that you are weak. It means that you are human.
While many individuals who witness or experience a tragedy experience some
of these symptoms, which ones you experience will be unique to you.
Common
Signs & Symptoms
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Fatigue
or tiredness
Nausea
or vomiting
Shaking
Muscle twitching
Rapid pulse
Pounding heart
Thirst
Clenched jaw
Grinding teeth
Heavy sweating
Chills
Passing out
or fainting
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Anxiety
or Fear
Panic (rarely)
Grief
Guilt
Shock
Uncertainty
Depression
Helplessness
Powerlessness
Feeling loss of
emotional control
Overwhelmed
Angry, irritable,
or agitated
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Blaming
someone
Confusion
Concentration
problems
Attention problems
Indecision
Poor decisions
More alert than
usual
Less alert than
usual
Memory problems
Forgetfulness
Amnesia
Unwanted images
Unwanted thoughts
Denial
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Tearfulness
Withdrawal
Emotional outbursts
Suspiciousness
Easily startled
Pacing
Changes in
amount of activities
or type of activities
or speech
or communication
or appetite/hunger
or eating
or alcohol
consumption
or sexual
function
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Remember: Experiencing distress after a trauma is
common. Professional services are available to help you to
process the experience and recuperate from it.
Memories of the experience, like memories of any experience, will remain
with you. Counseling can help you manage healthfully those memories and
your response to them.
These symptoms do respond to self-care
as well as treatment. Symptoms respond best if you seek counseling sooner
rather than later.
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is staffed by licensed
professionals in psychology, social work, and counseling who strictly
guard your confidentiality. If you have questions or would like to arrange
an appointment, call 575-CAPS (2277).
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