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printable version
You have experienced a CRITICAL INCIDENT.
You may be experiencing
unusually strong emotional reactions which have the potential to
interfere with your ability to function now or some time in the
future. Even though the event may be over you may
experience strong emotional or physical reactions now or some
time in the future. It is very common, in fact quite
normal, for people to experience emotional aftershocks when they
have participated in a traumatic event.
THESE ARE NORMAL REACTIONS TO AN ABNORMAL EVENT!!
Sometimes these emotional aftershocks (Stress Reactions) appear
immediately. In some cases they are delayed a few hours or
days, and sometimes they are postponed for weeks or months.
The signs and symptoms
of stress may last a few days, a few weeks, or a few months.
Occasionally the symptoms remain for longer periods depending
upon the severity of the traumatic event. With
understanding and support from loved ones, friends, and/or
colleagues these reactions usually pass more quickly.
Sometimes the traumatic event is so painful that professional
assistance from a trained counselor is necessary. This in
no way implies weakness or mental illness. It simple
indicates that this particular event was too powerful for the
individual to manage by themselves.
Listed below are some of the more common signs and symptoms of
STRESS.
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PHYSICAL
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COGNITIVE
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EMOTIONAL
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BEHAVIORAL
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SPIRITUAL
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fatigue
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blaming someone
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anxiety
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change activity
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Anger at God
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nausea
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confusion
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guilt
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change in speech
patterns
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Feeling distant
from God
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muscle tremors
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poor attention
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grief
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withdrawal
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Withdraw from
place of worship
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twitches
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poor decisions
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denial
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emotional
outbursts
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Uncharacteristic
religious involvement
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chest pain*
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raised/lowered
alertness
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emotional shock
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suspiciousness
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Sudden turn toward
God
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difficulty
breathing*
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poor concentration
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fear
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change in usual
communications
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Familiar faith
practices seem empty (prayer, scriptures, hymns)
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elevated BP*
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memory problems
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uncertainty
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restlessness
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Religious rituals
seem empty (worship, communion)
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thirst
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hypervigilance
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emotion control
problems
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alcohol use
increase
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Belief that God is
powerless
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headaches
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difficulty ID-ing
familiar objects
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depression
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loss/increase in
appetite
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loss of meaning
and purpose
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visual problems
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more awareness of
surroundings
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inappropriate
emotions
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acting out
(antisocial behavior)
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Sense of isolation
(from God, religious community)
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vomiting
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less awareness of
surroundings
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apprehension
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nonspecific body
complaints
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Questioning of
one’s basic beliefs
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grinding teeth /(bruxism)
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poor problem
solving ability
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feeling
overwhelmed
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hyperalert to
environment
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Anger at clergy
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weakness
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poor abstract
thinking
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intense anger
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intensified
startle reflex
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Believing God is
not in control
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dizziness
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loss of
orientation
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irritability
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pacing
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Believing God
doesn’t care
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profuse sweating
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impaired thinking
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agitation
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erratic movements
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Belief that we
have failed God
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chills and/or
sweating, etc.
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nightmares
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severe panic
(rare)
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increase/decrease
in sexual drive
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shock symptoms*
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flashbacks /
intrusive images
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Things To
Try:
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WITHIN THE FIRST 24
-48 HOURS periods of appropriate physical exercise,
alternated with relaxation will alleviate some of the
physical reactions.
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Structure your time;
keep busy.
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You’re normal and
having normal reactions; don’t label yourself crazy.
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Talk to people; talk
is the most healing medicine.
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Be aware of numbing
the pain with overuse of drugs or alcohol; you don’t need to
complicate this with as substance abuse problem.
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Reach out; people do
care.
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Maintain as normal a
schedule as possible.
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Spend time with
others.
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Help your co-workers
as much as possible by sharing feelings and checking out how
they are doing.
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Keep a journal; write
your way through sleepless hours.
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Do things that feel
good to you.
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Realize those around
you are under stress.
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Don’t make any big
life changes.
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Do make as many daily
decisions as possible that will give you a feeling of
control over your life; i.e., if someone asks you what you
want to eat, answer him even if you’re not sure.
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Get plenty of rest.
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Don’t try to fight
reoccurring thoughts, dreams or flashbacks – they are normal
and will decrease over time and become less painful.
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Eat well-balanced and
regular meals (even if you don’t feel like it).
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If symptoms persist,
get help.
For Family
Members & Friends
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Listen carefully.
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Spend time with the
traumatized person.
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Offer your assistance
and a listening ear if (s)he has not asked for help.
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Reassure him/her that
he/she is safe.
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Help him/her with
everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for the
family, minding children.
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Give him/her some
private time.
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Don’t take his/her
anger or other feelings personally.
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Don’t tell him/her
that (s)he is “lucky it wasn’t worse”; a traumatized person
is not consoled by those statements. Instead, tell him/her
that you are sorry such and event has occurred and you want
to understand and assist him/her.
IF YOU NEED HELP OR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Livingston Crisis Chaplaincy
Phone: 225.955.0794
Email:
crisischaplain@cox.net
printable version
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POLICEMAN'S PRAYER
When I start my tour of duty God,
Wherever crime may be,
as I walk the darkened streets alone,
Let me be close to thee.
Please give me understanding
with both the young and old.
Let me listen with attention
until their story's told.
Let me never make a judgment
in a rash or callous way,
but let me hold my patience
let each man have his say.
Lord if some dark and dreary night,
I must give my life,
Lord, with your everlasting love
protect my children and my wife.
(Author Unknown)
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Livingston Crisis Chaplaincy
P.O. Box 1806
Walker, LA 70786
Chaplain Tommy Normand
Phone: 225.955.0794
Email:
crisischaplain@cox.net
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