Adult’s Response to Trauma
Adult’s response to traumatic and cumulative stress varies according to how frequent and severe the events were as well as the coping skills of the individual. Generally, an individual’s initial response, although quite upsetting, is considered an expected response to an experience outside of “normal” day-to-day experience. Individuals can be at risk for developing more serious problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. If the symptoms continue or greatly interfere with daily life, individuals should seek help as soon as possible.
Shakiness, dizziness, numbness
Crying or tearfulness
Disturbed sleep or wakefulness
Change in appetite
Increased irritability and anger
Argumentativeness
Withdrawal or isolating self
Family or marital conflict
Refusal to talk about event
Avoidance of reminders of event
Reduced concentration
Preoccupation with event
Headaches
Diarrhea
Stomach aches
Tingling in arms and legs
Ringing in ears
Feelings of helplessness
Flashbacks and/or nightmares
Anxiety and thoughts of death or dying*
Initiating or increasing alcohol or drug use
Symptoms may appear in one to three months (or sometimes later) and last indefinitely without proper response.
They genrally include items in column one but with increasing severity.
In addition, traumatic stress may include the following:
Preoccupation with the event to the exclusion of life activities
Marked avoidance of reminders of the event
Ongoing fatigue
Disinterest in sex, leisure activities or other symptoms of depression
Chronic feelings of hopelessness or powerlessness or worthlessness
Inability to work
Forgetfulness
Increased accidents due to inability to concentrate
Flashbacks and/or nightmares
Sense of not being “all there”
Increasing anger of violent behavior
Marital or family conflict
Inability to leave home and feel safe
Substance dependence
Suicidal thinking or planning*
* ANY thoughts of self-destructive behavior need to be addressed immediately; Professional help should be sought.