Table of ContentsGeneral Information Show
Common Reactions to Trauma PTSD Symptoms Coping Tips When to Seek Professional Help How to Help a Friend Who Has Gone Through Trauma General InformationTrauma is an emotional response to a frightening or upsetting event like an accident, rape, assault, or natural disaster. Everyone reacts differently to different situations—an event such as an accident may impact one person very strongly and not affect another person at all. There are complex reasons for people having different reactions to potentially traumatic events, including their personal history, personality, how much or little control they had during the event, and other factors. Immediately after a potentially traumatic event, shock and denial are typical. Longer-term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, and physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. While a wide range of reactions to trauma are normal, some people have more severe or long-lasting reactions that may interfere with their day-to-day lives or well-being. Common Reactions to TraumaFollowing a traumatic event, people frequently feel stunned, disoriented, or unable to integrate distressing information. Once these initial reactions subside, people can experience a variety of thoughts and behaviors. Common responses include:
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Coping TipsFortunately, research shows that most people are resilient and over time are able to bounce back from traumatic events. It is common for people to experience stress in the immediate aftermath, but within a few months, most people are able to resume functioning as they did before. It is important to remember that resilience and recovery, not prolonged distress, are the norm. That said, different people may take more or less time to feel OK again after a traumatic incident has occurred. Coping in the First 24 to 48 Hours
Longer-Term Coping Strategies
When to Seek Professional HelpIt's normal to have a variety of emotional, cogitive, and physical reactions to a trauma that may last for days, weeks, or months following a traumatic incident. Typically, symptoms gradually improve over time. However, if your reactions are very intense, get worse rather than better, persist for a very long time, and/or interfere with your ability to function, you may have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), clinical depression, or another psychological condition that requires professional assessment and treatment. If you experience persistent feelings of distress or hopelessness and you feel like you are barely able to get through your daily responsibilities and activities, see a licensed mental health professional or medical clinician. It's especially important to ask for help if you are having thoughts of harming or killing yourself or someone else. Helping a Friend Who Has Gone Through a Trauma
Information adapted from the American Psychological Association website. What signs or symptoms associated with acute stress reactions require immediate intervention?What are the symptoms of an acute stress reaction?. Psychological symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, irritability, emotional ups and downs, poor sleep, poor concentration, wanting to be alone.. Recurrent dreams or flashbacks, which can be intrusive and unpleasant.. Avoidance of anything that will trigger memories.. Which of the following is a physiologic effect of the stress Triad as described by the physician Hans Selye?During this stage, the physiologic effects described by Selye include what he called the stress triad: enlargement (hypertrophy) of the adrenal glands, which produce adrenaline; wasting (atrophy) of lymph nodes; and bleeding gastric ulcers.
Which of the following accurately identifies the three stages of stress?Stress As a Response
Stress follows the three stages of alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
Which of the following terms refers to a positive form of stress that helps people work under pressure and respond effectively?Eustress is perceived as positive and beneficial, while distress is associated with negative outcomes. Eustress may help improve their focus and motivate people to take on new challenges, while distress can lead to anxiety, fear, and other negative emotions.
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