After a traumatic event, it can be helpful to know what some of the common reactions are. This information can help you make sense of emotional or physical responses that may be alarming or worrying in themselves.
It's important to note that these reactions can vary from person to person. For some, they may have a stronger reaction or the effects may last longer. They also may not be felt immediately after the event.
Emotional reactions
- Numbness
- Fear/anxiety
- Guilt
- Anger
- Shame
- Preoccupation
- Longing
Physical reactions
- Feelings of weakness
- Shaking
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Palpitations
- Tightness in your chest
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
Behavioural reactions
- Memory difficulties
- Sleep disturbance
- Low mood
- Tearfulness
- Hyper vigilance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Bad dreams
- Sensitivity
- Intolerance
- Insomnia
Common reactions in children
Children and young people experience the same feelings in response to traumatic events as adults. In addition, they are vulnerable to the impact of the event on adults they love and trust.
They have a similar need for support in coming to terms with what has happened. The difference is they may not have the words to express their feelings directly. Children, especially young children, often show their feelings by the way they behave, react or respond, rather than what they say.
Common behaviours include:
- Increased acting-out and immature behaviour
- Lots of pretend play, including acting out details of things that took place around the event
- Sleep disturbance, including bad dreams, fear of being alone, and fear of the dark
- Marked anxiety about any separation
- Preoccupation with the event and, as result, difficulty concentrating at school
- Heightened alertness to danger, including sensitivity to loud noises
- Change in appetite
- Fears for their own safety or safety of family and friends
- Reluctance to talk
What can I do?
For both children and adults, it will be friends, colleagues/classmates, and family that will offer the most support and help. Any additional help from outside organisations should compliment this support, rather than trying to replace it.
Talk
This can help you accept what has happened and to begin to make sense of it. Talking things over is an important part of the recovery process, so it's ok to want to refer to the event days, weeks, or months later. Even if other people have put it behind them, everyone is different. Find someone to speak to who is supportive and who will not be upset at hearing you recount distressing details.
Confront your concerns
Try not to avoid things which may trigger a distressing reaction (for example, returning to the place where you experienced the traumatic event). If you need help, do not be afraid to ask. Over time, those places or situations will begin to lose their power to upset you.
Get and accept support
Try to accept the support and concern of others, even if you normally perceive yourself as a 'strong person'. People care and want to help.
Remember:
Traumatic experiences can be distressing and difficult to cope with. For people who experience severe trauma, it can seem at times that nothing will ever be the same again. However, the evidence is that, with time, people can manage to come to terms even with dreadful experiences and to find ways of continuing with their lives and relationships.
