The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes “the signs and symptoms of critical incident stress can be physical, emotional, cognitive, or behavioral. Individuals express stress in different ways and therefore manifest different reactions.”
OSHA printed this list of common, normal signs:
Physical: Fatigue, Chills, Unusual Thirst, Chest pain, Headaches, Dizziness
Cognitive: Uncertainty, Confusion, Nightmares, Poor Attention / decision making ability, Poor concentration / memory, Poor problem-solving ability
Emotional: Grief, Fear, Guilt, Intense anger, Apprehension and depression, Irritability, Chronic Anxiety
Behavioral: Inability to rest, Withdrawal, Antisocial behavior, Increased alcohol consumption, Change in communications, Loss/increase in appetite
The Centers for Disease Control, has this at their page
“ Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event
After a disaster, it is important to take care of your emotional health.
Pay attention to how you and your family members are feeling and acting.
Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to urgent needs to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Follow these tips to help you and your family recover or find support.
Common Signs of Distress
• Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
• Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach
problems, and skin rashes
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Seek help from your healthcare provider if these stress reactions
interfere with your daily activities for several days in a row.
Steps to Care for Yourself
• Take Care of Your Body
» Try to eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and other
drugs.
• Connect
» Share your feelings with a friend or family member.
Maintain relationships and rely on your support system.
• Take Breaks
» Make time to unwind. Try to return to activities that you enjoy.
• Stay Informed
» Watch for news updates from reliable officials.
• Avoid
» Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of the event.
• Ask for Help
» Talk to a clergy member, counselor, or doctor, or contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-985-5990
How to Help Your Children
• Talk with them
» Share age-appropriate information
» Reassure them
» Address rumors
» Answer questions
• Set a good example by taking care of yourself
• Limit exposure to media and social media coverage of the event
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
(Note to on-line users not in my classes: this is a study sheet.
It is not complete instruction in first aid or the topic named in the webpage title.)
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –