A Not-for-Profit Agency

LGBT Tool Kit

BUILDING CONNECTIONS:
The Sexual Assault /
Mental Health Project
www.nyscasa.org

Mental Health Association in Ulster County, Inc.

P.O. Box 2304 Kingston, N.Y. 12402-2304

Children & Families: (845) 336-4747  Adult Services: (845) 339-9090  Fax: (845) 336-0192

MHA is a United Way Agency & Affiliated with the Mental Health Association in New York State & Mental Health America.

Trauma Recovery Guidelines

You have encountered a stressor outside the realm of usual human experiences. As a victim of this type of stress, you can expect to experience the after-effects to varying degrees. The acknowledgement of these emotional reactions helps to shorten recovery time and prevent complications through the natural healing process.

Expected Emotional Reactions

• Sense that life is out of balance
• Disbelief, numbness
• Flashbacks
• Heightened response to noise, surprises, jumpiness
• Uncomfortable being alone
• Sadness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Anger, irritability
• Difficulty making decisions and thinking creatively
• Forgetfulness
• Physical discomfort, aches, cold-like symptoms
• Feeling guilty that others have suffered more than you have
• Increased use of alcohol and/or durgs
• Social withdrawal
• Feelings of being “out of control’
• Fears of “going crazy”
• Recall of past trauma and loss
• Loss of feeling secure in the world
• Self doubt
• Magical thinking, superstition and omens

These reactions are generally temporary. They can vary widely from one day to the next. Don’t be alarmed by the re-emergence of emotional feelings after days, weeks or months. If you have been busy performing necessary tasks after the crisis, you may have a delay in your reaction until you stop being busy. If your reactions persist or cause you extreme discomfort, you should discuss this with a mental health professional.

For more information about Critical Incidents Stress please contact the Mental Health Association in Ulster County - #845-339-9090  

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