Even though the event may be over, you may now be experiencing or may experience later, some strong physical, psychological and behavioral reactions to the traumatic event. No one is immune from these reactions. It is quite normal for people to experience these aftershocks when they have passed through a horrible event. This does not imply weakness or craziness. It simply indicates that the traumatic event was just to powerful and overwhelming.

Symptoms of traumatic impact can vary from person to person. Some people will experience many symptoms, others just a few. For some, the effect is rapid. For others symptoms may occur weeks, months or even years later. The effects can even be cumulative over time. With Acute Stress, the symptoms go away within a few weeks. If the symptoms last more than one month, seek medical help and counseling specific for Post Traumatic Stress immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances are for a full recovery.

Examples of Reactions to a Critical Incident or Other Traumatic Stress:

Physical Symptoms  *Any of These syptoms may require  medical attention.

Chills
Thirst
Fatigue
Nausea
Fainting
Twitches
Vomiting
Dizziness
Weakness
Chest pain
Headaches
Elevated BP
Rapid heart rate
Muscle tremors
Shock symptoms
Grinding of teeth
Visual difficulties
Profuse sweating
Difficulty breathing

Cognitive/Mental Symptoms

Confusion
Nightmares
Uncertainty
Hyper-vigilance, watchful
Suspiciousness
Intrusive images
Blaming someone
Poor problem solving
Poor abstract thinking
Difficulty with numbers
Poor concentration/memory
Disorientation of time, place or person
Difficulty identifying objects or person
Heightened or lowered alertness
Increased or decreased awareness of surrounding