Following trauma, most people, the intense feelings of anxiety, sadness, grief and anger. These feelings are healthy and appropriate and usually lessen over time and impact daily life less and less.
Knowing what is a normal response to an abnormal situation, and what signs might indicate a more serious problem will help you determine if and when to seek help from a mental health professional.
Common Responses
It is ‘normal’ to have difficulty managing your feelings after major traumatic events. Many people will experience some common symptoms in the days and weeks following such an event, such as:
- Disbelief and shock
- Fear and anxiety about the future
- Disorientation; difficulty making decisions or concentrating
- Inability to focus
- Apathy and emotional numbing
- Irritability and anger
- Sadness and depression
- Feeling powerless
- Extreme changes in eating patterns; loss of appetite or overeating
- Crying for “no apparent reason”
- Headaches and stomach problems
- Difficulty sleeping
- Excessive use of alcohol and drugs
It is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to trauma and each person has their own tolerance level for difficult feelings. To cope with these emotions, there are some things you can do for yourself and others. Experts say that remaining engaged in our world, staying connected with people, and being optimistic about the challenges ahead are key to riding through otherwise traumatic times. In fact, in times of turmoil, people can make changes that improve their lives and life satisfaction.
Signs to Seek Help
However, when feelings do not go away or are so intense that they impair your ability to function in daily life, you may have a diagnosable disorder that requires mental healthcare. There are signs that can help you determine whether you are having a normal reaction to our nation’s crisis or if you’re experiencing a mental health problem. These signs include:
- Nightmares and reoccurring thoughts about the event
- Being unable to stop thinking about what happened
- Avoiding thoughts, feelings or conversations that remind you of the event
- Avoiding places or people that remind you of the event
- Having a sense of a foreshortened future
- Continued difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Feeling jumpy or easily startled
- Being overly concerned about safety
- Feeling guilty, worthless or hopeless
- Not taking pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Having thoughts of death or suicide
If you are experiencing these symptoms, talking with a mental health professional or taking a mental health screening test can help you understand how well you are coping with the recent events. Take that step and get help.