Adults & Trauma

Some Common Reactions for Adults

Feelings: fear, guilt, sadness, panic, denial, anxiety, anger, agitation, irritability, overwhelmed, confused

Behaviors or symptoms: withdrawal, difficulty sleeping-or wanting to sleep all the time, appetite loss or increase, inability to concentrate, lack of energy, headaches, stomach aches, tension in shoulders

Thoughts: Confused thinking, nightmares, blaming self, blaming someone else, wondering why

Spiritual: anger at God, questioning basic beliefs

Physical symptoms that merit medical evaluation: chills, intense thirst, profuse sweating, long-lasting headaches

After a loss or other traumatic event, you may experience some strong emotional or physical reactions. This is normal.

Things To Do For YOU

Do things that make you feel good, and that are good for you:

• Reach out. Talk to people who care about you.
• Eat healthy meals.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Do not numb your pain with drugs or alcohol.
• Get enough sleep.
• Exercise in the way that is comfortable for you: a walk, a run, yoga, fitness class, the gym.
• Structure your time.
• Do NOT make big life changes.
• Accept that people vary in the ways that they are affected and how they show it.
• Do not talk about the event with people who are not helpful to you.
• Understand that you are having normal reactions, considering what has happened. You are NOT crazy.

When To Contact A Professional

All of the reactions discussed are normal reactions to abnormal events. Generally these reactions should lessen in 2-3 weeks. If these behaviors persist beyond three weeks, please contact a mental health professional for help.

Headquarters Counseling Center can provide immediate support as well as referral information for other counseling centers available to anyone in the community. You can reach Headquarters Counseling Center 24 hours a day/seven days a week. All Headquarters services are free.