Thursday, October 19, 2017

Normal Reactions in Times of Crisis

These are some common symptoms when experiencing traumatic events.  If you identify with any of these reactions and feelings, you should know that that is normal and natural.  Here you will see some suggestions for finding healing.

Symptoms:
n  Problems sleeping or resting
n  Feeling emotionally cold
n  Intense worry for others
n  Survivors guilt
n  Concentration problems
n  Loss of self-confidence
n  Vivid memories of the recent or past event
n  Need to be alone
n  Difficulty returning to a normal level of activity
n  Feeling overwhelmed
n  Nausea, dizziness
n  Headaches or chest pains

Feelings
n  Stress/nervousness
n  Vulnerability
n  Frustration
n  Powerlessness
n  Anger
n  Hopelessness
n  Sadness
n  Fear
n  Panic
n  Instability
n  Uncertainty
n  Irritability
n  Anxiety

Counsel/Suggestions
n  Talk with people when you need to
n  Share your feelings and thoughts with others
n  Seek company
n  Listen to the feelings of your friends
n  Remember that you are normal and you are having normal reactions to an abnormal event.
n  Give yourself permission to feel bad
n  Do gentle physical exercises, alternating with periods of relaxation
n  Structure your time, keep yourself busy
n  Try to have a lifestyle as close to normal as possible
n  Write during periods of insomnia
n  Do things or think about things that make you feel good.
n  Rest enough to recover your strength
n  Eat balanced and regular meals (even if you don’t feel like it).
n  Don’t make drastic decisions

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”  -- C. S. Lewis


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