Still Blessed in Times of Stress

Following the "incident" that occurred a few weeks ago the department has provided counselors and good pieces of information for our reading.
Here is the information from one of those "readings"...

COMMON REACTIONS TO CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS
In the days and weeks that follow a critical incident it is common to experience a few or several reactions to the severe stress. Most of these reactions, though distressing, puzzling, and upsetting will pass within a few weeks. This handout is designed to give you an understanding of these typical reactions and some ways to help yourself or another resolve them. Just knowing that these symptoms you may experience are "normal" considering the "abnormal" circumstances you have been exposed to - is a help. Please keep in mind that your family members may also experience some secondary stress; it might be helpful to share this information with them.

Physical: fatigue/exhaustion
Cognitive: lack of concentration
Emotional: fear
Behavioral: change in activity

Physical: difficulty sleeping
Cognitive: flashbacks
Emotional: emotional numbing
Behavioral: suspiciousness

Physical: nightmares
Cognitive: change in alertness
Emotional: over sensitivity
Behavioral: hyper or lower alertness/startle easily

Physical: headaches, muscle tension/aches
Cognitive: difficulty with decisions, problem solving, engaging in big tasks, and multi-tasking
Emotional: anxiety, depression, feeling helplessness
Behavioral: change in sexual behavior

Physical: nausea or dizziness
Cognitive: unwanted/intrusive images or thoughts
Emotional: daily tasks seem mundane and source irritation
Behavioral: restlessness/pacing

Following are some suggestions to help alleviate these reactions:
*Reconnect with family, friends, spiritual and community supports
*Identify a few trusted people with whom you can feel comfortable talking to--WHEN you are ready
*Recognize and accept the things you cannot change
*Avoid big life decisions right now
*Understand that your daily home and work tasks will seem very mundane after what you have seen and experienced
*Re-establish daily routines as much as possible-regular eating and sleeping
*Write down your thoughts & feelings-even if you don't show it to anyone
*Drink plenty of water, monitor caffeine intake and minimize use of alcohol
*Eat healthy and exercise
*Give yourself permission to feel "rotten"...and to experience these reactions
*Check on those around you, including your family, that may be experiencing added stress
*If you have intrusive images/thoughts-write them down and notice changes over time. Identify a thought or action that will distract you from the unwanted thoughts and switch your attention to it
*Accept that these bothersome, puzzling, irritating symptoms are normal in this situation
*If uncomfortable and "nervous"-try exercise, distracting hobbies, relaxation
*If difficulty sleeping-hot baths, relaxation, exercise but not just before sleep. Medication only as prescribed
*Remember getting back to "normal" takes time

You are encouraged to use the people and resources available to you.


...It's good to know that these feelings we are experiencing are normal for the situation that we're in, but still the reality is that it doesn't make it easier. My emotions have been a roller coaster, one minute I'm fine the next I am anxious, and the next I'm crying. I feel very blessed but at the same time totally out of my comfort zone.