Common Reactions Experienced After A Traumatic Event~
Please note that following a traumatic event, people commonly experience a number of reactions that may seem negative and not feel normal. The following lists reflect normal reactions to an abnormal situation.
Physical Effects
- Fatigue, exhaustion
- Increased physical pain
- Sleep disturbances
- Cardiovascular strain
- Reduced immune response
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased libido
- Hyperarousal
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Increased startle response
- Muscle tremors
- Profuse sweating
- Digestive problems
- Somatic complaints
- Ritualistic behavior
- More accident prone
Emotional Effects
- Shock
- Fear/terror
- Irritability
- Anger
- Grief or sadness
- Depression
- Despair
- Loss of pleasure from familiar activities
- Nervousness
- Blame
- Guilt
- Emotional Numbing
- Helplessness
- Identification with the victim
- Difficulty feeling happy
Interpersonal Effects
• Increased relational conflict
• Reduced relational intimacy • Impaired work performance
• Impaired school performance • Feeling abandoned/rejected • Social withdrawal
• Alienation
• Decreased satisfaction
• Distrust
• Externalization of blame
• Externalization of vulnerability • Over protectiveness
Cognitive Effects
• Impaired concentration
• Impaired decision-making ability • Memory impairment
• Disbelief
• Confusion
• Distortion
• Self-blame
• Decreased self-esteem
• Decreased self-efficacy
• Worry
• Dissociation (e.g., tunnel vision, dreamlike or “spacey” feeling
Spiritual Effects
- Spiritual disconnection with God
- Questioning God and theological beliefs
- Anger at God
- Spiritual emptiness
- Withdrawal from the faith community
- Increased awareness of morality
- Guilt for feelings, i.e. anger, desire for vengeance