Trauma

Trauma:  A disordered psychic or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional  stress or physical injury.           

         Merriam – Webster Dictionary 

Physical Symptoms  *Any of These syptoms may require  medical attention.

• Chills
  Thirst
  Fatigue
  Nausea
  Fainting
  Twitches
  Vomiting
  Dizziness
  Weakness
  Chest pain
  Headaches
  Elevated BP
  Rapid heart rate
  Muscle tremors
  Shock symptoms
  Grinding of teeth
  Visual difficulties
  Profuse sweating
  Difficulty breathing

Cognitive/Mental Symptoms

• Confusion
  Nightmares
  Uncertainty
  Hyper-vigilance, watchful
  Suspiciousness
  Intrusive images
  Blaming someone
  Poor problem solving
  Poor abstract thinking
  Difficulty with numbers
  Poor concentration/memory
  Disorientation of time, place or person
  Difficulty identifying objects or person
  Heightened or lowered alertness
  Increased or decreased awareness of surrounding

Emotional Symptoms

• Fear
  Guilt
  Grief
  Panic
  Denial
  Anxiety
  Agitation
  Irritability
  Depression
  Intense anger
  Apprehension
  Emotional shock
  Emotional outbursts
  Feeling overwhelmed
  Loss of emotional control
  Thoughts of suicide/homicide
  Inappropriate emotional responses

Behavioral Symptoms

• Withdrawal
  Antisocial acts
  Inability to rest
  Intensified pacing
  Erratic movements
  Change in social activity
  Change in speech patterns
  Loss or increase of appetite
  Hyper-alert or sensitive to environment
  Increased alcohol consumption
  Change in usual communications

• No one can make it on their own … we need other people.
• Take advantage of opportunities for Debriefings and Defusings. 
• Talk with your Chaplain!

1 O Lord, how many are my foes!
    Many are rising against me;
 2 many are saying of my soul,
 “There is no salvation for him in God.”  3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
 my glory, and the lifter of my head.
 4 I cried aloud to the Lord,
 and he answered me from his holy hill. 

If you suffer from traumatic impact, Acute Stress or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, you are not crazy, weak, stupid or mentally ill. You are simply experiencing a normal human reaction to an abnormal event.

Most importantly, it is your personal resolve and determination to overcome the effects of traumatic impact that will have the most influence in determining your outcome. Accepting the reality of traumatic impact as well as availing yourself of the help and support you need is of utmost importance. It is more than one person can accomplish on their own.