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What To Do After An Incident 

 

Things to Do After A Critical Incident

  • WITHIN THE FIRST 24 - 48 HOURS periods of appropriate physical exercises alternated with relaxation will alleviate some of the physical reactions.
  • Structure your time - keep busy.
  • You're normal and having normal reactions - don't label yourself crazy.
  • Talk to people - talk is the most healing medicine.
  • Be aware of numbing the pain with overuse of drugs or alcohol You don't need to complicate this with a substance abuse problem.
  • Reach out - people do care.
  • Maintain as normal a schedule as possible.
  • Spend time with others and talk about what happened to you.
  • Help others who were affected as much as possible by sharing feelings and checking out how they are doing.
  • Give yourself permission to feel rotten and share your feelings with others.
  • Keep a journal. Write down your thoughts and feelings about the incident. Research has shown this is very effective for symptom reduction and resolution of the trauma.
  • Do things that feel good to you.
  • Realize those around you are under stress.
  • Don't make any big life changes.
  • Do make as many daily decisions as possible which will give you a feeling of control over your life, i.e., if someone asks you what you want to eat - answer them even if you're not sure.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Reoccurring thoughts, dreams or flashbacks are normal - don't try to fight them - they'll decrease over time and become less painful.
  • Eat well-balanced and regular meals (even if you don't feel like it).

For Family and Friends

  • Listen carefully.
  • Spend time with the traumatized person.
  • Offer your assistance and a listening ear if they have not asked for help.
  • Reassure them that they are safe.
  • Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for the family, minding children.
  • Give them some private time.
  • Don't take their anger or other feelings personally.
  • Don't tell them that they are "lucky it wasn't worse" - traumatized people are not consoled by those statements. Instead, tell them that you are sorry such an event has occurred and you want to understand and assist them.

    © International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc 1998

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CISM International

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SherryCardinal, LCSW, DAAETS
Phone: 713-594-0859
Email: 
Sherry@criticalincidentstress.com