Managing Traumatic Stress
Managing Traumatic Stress
Gyovanna Maria Casanova-Baker
Virginia Intermont College
Abstract
Shock and Denial are the main points within traumatic stress. They occur shortly after a traumatic event, in a normal situation. Every person will react differently to each situation; however most respond with irritability, re-occurring thoughts or emotions, strained interpersonal strain, and possible physical symptoms. This paper includes the ways in which people react over time, what to do if I person is in this situation, and the appropriate time in which to seek professional help.
Keywords: shock, denial, trauma, event, emotions, thoughts, professional help
Managing Traumatic Stress Disasters are often unexpected, sudden and overwhelming. In most cases there are no physical signs like an injury or outward call for assistance, however it does take a serious emotional toll. It is common for people who have experienced traumatic situations to have very strong emotional reactions. Understanding normal responses to these unfortunate events can aid you in coping better with your feelings, thoughts and behaviors, and help the process of recovery. Shock and denial are normal responses to traumatic events and disasters, especially directly after the event. These responses are normal because this is one way a body protects itself. Shock is a sudden and often intense disturbance of your emotional state that can leave you feeling stunned or dazed. Denial is when a person does not acknowledge that something very stressful or traumatic happened, or they do not experience fully the intensity of the event. Denial also involves temporarily becoming numb to the situation or disconnected from life. As the initial shock fades, the reaction then differs from person to person. However there are a few typical responses to these traumatic events (Figley, 1995). One normal response to traumatic stress is becoming
Gyovanna Maria Casanova-Baker
Virginia Intermont College
Abstract
Shock and Denial are the main points within traumatic stress. They occur shortly after a traumatic event, in a normal situation. Every person will react differently to each situation; however most respond with irritability, re-occurring thoughts or emotions, strained interpersonal strain, and possible physical symptoms. This paper includes the ways in which people react over time, what to do if I person is in this situation, and the appropriate time in which to seek professional help.
Keywords: shock, denial, trauma, event, emotions, thoughts, professional help
Managing Traumatic Stress Disasters are often unexpected, sudden and overwhelming. In most cases there are no physical signs like an injury or outward call for assistance, however it does take a serious emotional toll. It is common for people who have experienced traumatic situations to have very strong emotional reactions. Understanding normal responses to these unfortunate events can aid you in coping better with your feelings, thoughts and behaviors, and help the process of recovery. Shock and denial are normal responses to traumatic events and disasters, especially directly after the event. These responses are normal because this is one way a body protects itself. Shock is a sudden and often intense disturbance of your emotional state that can leave you feeling stunned or dazed. Denial is when a person does not acknowledge that something very stressful or traumatic happened, or they do not experience fully the intensity of the event. Denial also involves temporarily becoming numb to the situation or disconnected from life. As the initial shock fades, the reaction then differs from person to person. However there are a few typical responses to these traumatic events (Figley, 1995). One normal response to traumatic stress is becoming
References: Figley, C. R. (1995). Compassion fatigue: Coping with secondary the traumatic stress disorder in those who treat traumatized. (pp. 21-131). London: Taylor and Francis Group.