You Are Not Alone!
Traumatic experiences shake the foundation of our beliefs about safety and shatter our trust. Because they are so far outside what we would expect, these events provoke reactions that feel strange and “crazy.” These reactions are typical and expectable. They are normal responses to abnormal events and are frequently temporary.
1. Initially, we may go into a state of shock. We feel numb and dazed. It helps to cope in this stage by keeping busy.
2. We may become anxious and panicky.
Some common signs are: nervousness, trembling, dizziness, inability to slow down or relax, pounding heart, inability to concentrate, trouble breathing, inability to sleep properly. . .
It helps to admit that we have these feelings and talk to someone about them. It is very important to re-establish routine activities, such as: regular meals, regular rest breaks, exercise, personal hygiene, etc.
3. Often times we may become angry. We are often bitter about everything and irate at everyone.
It helps to express this resentment properly. We can channel this energy by keeping busy and focusing on day-by-day plans.
4. We may become sad and blue. Most common signs of this are:
loss of appetite, fatigue, restlessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, withdrawal, etc. It would help to keep in touch with other people and remind ourselves that we are not alone.
5. We may become fearful for our own safety and future.
Many of these fears will go away with time once our lives have become more normal and routine.
6. We may feel guilty, helpless, hopeless, etc. about what has happened. .
There is a natural grieving process following any loss. A disaster of any size will cause unusual and unwanted stress. Those who feel they are unable to regain control of their lives may want to seek mental health assistance, available on campus at University Counseling Services,780-4050. You may also consider speaking with your advisor, coach, professor, colleague, friend or someone else you trust.
You can also help your community by listening when you can to those who are having problems, sharing your own feelings about the disaster, being tolerant of the irritability and short tempers others show (everyone is stressed at this time), and sharing information on assistance being offered and possible resources.