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When a Crisis Happens

• Reactions to a crisis
• Coping with reactions

Material provided by Monash University Community Services

Reactions to a crisis

You may experience some of these reactions whether you were affected directly or indirectly:

Physical Headaches Sleep problems Dizziness Muscle aches Nausea Tremors in lips & hands Upset Stomach Increased blood pressure Diarrhoea Rapid heart beat Loss of appetite Rapid breathing Feeling uncoordinated Profuse sweating Easily startled

Mental Confusion Disturbing dreams Disorientation Slowed thinking Difficulty with: decision making problem solving concentration naming objects poor attention span memory problems intrusive thoughts reliving the event

Emotional Worry about others Guilt Grief & loss Anger Withdrawal Anxiety Shame Depression Irritability Feeling: abandoned isolated shocked numb

Remember these responses are COMMON reactions to an UNCOMMON situation.

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Coping with reactions following a crisis

Sometimes the symptoms appear a few hours or days after the event. In other instances, the symptoms may not appear for weeks or months. Professional counselling can assist people in their recovery.

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Coping Tips

The following is a list of tips that may help to minimise the stress reaction:

• talk to people to whom you feel close
• try to express your feeling as they occur
• keep in touch with friends
• ask someone to keep you company
• try to rest more than usual
• eat regular and nutritious meals even when you have no appetite
• keep to your normal schedule as much as possible
• maintain regular physical exercise (even a walk can be helpful)
• allow time for the dreams, recurring thoughts and flashbacks of the event to become less frequent and painful
• seek professional help, particularly if the feelings are prolonged, persistent or too intense

If someone you know has been affected you can help by:

• spending time with the person
• listening attentively to what s/he says
• offering help and support without waiting to be asked
• reassuring the person of their safety
• giving the person space and private time
• assisting with tasks of daily living: cooking, shopping, cleaning and family matters

Remember, people recover at the own pace. Be patient and understanding.

Contact Macquarie University Counselling for further assistance at 9850 7497.

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