Shepell·fgi

Experiencing a traumatic event may trigger strong emotional reactions. We hope this information will help you understand what you might experience in the next days and weeks.

If you learn about the normal and natural reactions to traumatic events, you will be better able to cope.

The most common reaction is fear. Your sense of security and well-being has been violated and it is perfectly normal to feel afraid. You may feel afraid and on guard or anticipate that a similar event could happen again. You may experience the following reactions:

fearing strangers
dreaming about the event
checking the back seat of your car before getting in
overprotective of others, particularly your children

These reactions are normal, but they can still be demanding and draining.

You may find yourself exhausted for no particular reason, but not able to sleep well. Since fear uses up mental energy, it may result in this fatigue. These feelings are normal and natural. If you have them, it does not mean you are weak or going crazy. It simply means your mind is working through the experience. It can take days, if not weeks to return to more of a routine. Fear is a normal reaction. If you allow yourself to experience the fear, you will find that the fear will lessen. Over time your mind will heal itself. Also common, is a feeling of powerlessness; of not being in control of your life.

Whether you react or not will depend on many things. For example, if you have been involved in a previous trauma, or if your present life circumstances are difficult, you may react more strongly than some other people. You may find that you have reactions even though you have not been directly involved in the incident.

There may not be energy left for your normal activities.
You may find it hard to concentrate & remember everyday tasks.
The normal demands of work and home seem overwhelming.
Little things, noise, for example, may make you highly irritable.
You may use alcohol or other drugs to calm yourself or sleep.

Your friends or family may not attach much importance to what has happened. It's hard for them to realize the effect this event may have had.

If you have had a reaction to the trauma, you may experience some or all of the following:

A period of shock - immediately after the experience, numbness and feeling out of touch with reality.
You may become fearful and feel exhausted. This may last for a few days or over a week.
You may feel you've mastered your feelings, only to find they come back from time to time. It may feel like being on an emotional rollercoaster.
The feeling of fear decreases and becomes less frequent. You become detached from the event and feel you are coping well.

These reactions may be disturbing and are normal. They will diminish and disappear with time. It is very important to take good care of yourself when you are under this kind of stress. Engage in activities you enjoy, eat healthy foods, rest, exercise and listen to your body's needs. During these times, there is often a strong temptation to indulge in unhealthy habits such as using cigarettes, alcohol and drugs. This can lead to other kinds of problems.

Your family and friends can read this handout to help them understand your experience. Their support can help you. You may find it helpful to talk to other employees who experienced the event. You may find they have similar feelings and good suggestions. Also you can contact others who have helped in the past (counsellors, ministers, doctors, your best friend).

The Benefits of Your Employee Assistance Program

Sometimes just talking to a professional EAP counselor can help you regain a healthy perspective on the traumatic event you've just experienced. EAP is a free, totally confidential service available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can reach us anytime by calling our Care Access Centre at
1-800-268-5211

For more information on the support offered by Shepell·fgi, you are invited to visit our website at www.Shepellfgi.com.

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