Handling Stress after a Traumatic Event

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Traumatic situations are unexpected, sudden, and sometimes, violent. In many cases they do not leave visible signs of physical damage, but the emotional damage can be severe.

People who have been through traumatic events or natural disasters can often experience strong emotions such as fear, sadness, and signs of depression. But it's important to be aware that these emotions are normal when they are temporary and do not interfere with a person's life and daily activities.

What you could experience after a disaster or trauma

• Denial and emotional shock
• Tension and irritability
• Fear and anxiety about the future
• Difficulty making decisions, even the simplest ones
• Loss or increase of appetite
• Nightmares and recurrent thoughts about the traumatic event
• Anger or rage
• Beginning or increasing alcohol or drug use 
• Sadness or lack of motivation
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Feeling helpless or stuck
• Crying
• Sleeping problems
• Headaches, backaches, or stomach problems
• Difficulty concentrating

What you can do

• Take care of yourself: Get into a routine of eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
• Be in contact with others: Try to spend time with your loved ones and not become isolated.
• Avoid alcohol and other drugs: In the long term, using alcohol and drugs increases the level of stress and can lead to abuse or addiction.

When to seek professional help

Some people manage to handle the emotional and physical effects of a traumatic situation alone or with help from loved ones. But in some cases, that's not enough.

If your stress level gets worse, you feel constantly nervous or sad, your relationships are affected, or your work or school performance suffers, it may be time to seek professional help. Look for emotional support from a trained and experienced mental health professional. They can help you and your family relieve the stress and the emotional impact caused by the trauma.

To learn more about health issues, see USA.gov and GobiernoUSA.gov, the U.S. Government's official web portals in English and Spanish, and part of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).

CONTACT: Laura Godfrey, [email protected]

SOURCE USA.gov