Stress Reactions
Over the next few weeks, you and/or your students may experience
a number of reactions to the current tragedy. Having a reaction
is both normal and expected. Following is a list of common
reactions to stressful events and situations.
| Physical Reactions |
Cognitive Reactions |
Emotional Reactions |
Fatigue/exhaustion
Sleep disturbance
Underactivity/over activity
Change in appetite
Digestive problems
Nightmares
Muscle tremors/twitches
Headaches
Startled reactions |
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty solving problems
Flashbacks of the events
Difficulty making decisions
Memory disturbance
Preoccupation with the event
Lowered attention span
Violent fantasies |
Guilt
Feelings of helplessness
Emotional numbing
Overly sensitive
Fear/anxiety
Sense of hopelessness
Hyper vigilance
Anger/irritability
Moodiness |
In addition to the above reactions, you and/or your students
may experience a period of mild to moderate depression. These
symptoms include:
Poor appetite
Social withdrawal/isolation
Persistent sad mood |
Insomnia
Loss of sexual drive
Sleep disturbance |
Lethargy/low energy
Difficulty concentrating
Intrusive thoughts |
Again, these are normal reactions. Although painful, they are
part of the recovery process. Where there is little anyone can
do to take away these uncomfortable feelings, there are several
things you can do to speed up the recovery process.
Things to try:
- Within the first 24 to 48 hours, engage in periods of
strenuous physical exercise alternated with relaxation
(soothing music would be an additional bonus to your system)
- Structure your time. Keep busy and keep your life as
normal as possible
- Don't berate yourself for having these reactions. After
all, they are signs of your humanity
- Talk to people about your feelings, fears, and
uncertainties
- Do not attempt to numb your emotional pain with drugs or
alcohol
- Reach out to others and spend time with people you trust
and cherish
- Help someone express his or her feelings. A very
cathartic experience that should be shared
- Give yourself permission to fall apart, feel rotten, and
cry
- Keep a journal. Write your way through those sleepless
hours
- Pray, meditate, and appreciate the sanctity of life.
Tomorrow is never promised
If after several days, you find that you are still having
difficulty adjusting to school, or with other parts of your
life, don't hesitate to contact us at (410) 543-6070. We can
help you get through this part of the healing process. We are
also available to speak to groups of students, faculty, and
staff.
Revised 4/07
|
