A traumatic event, such as an accident, assault, fall or natural disaster is something which many people may not have experienced before. It is outside the range of normal day to day experience. Traumatic events (also referred to as ‘Critical Incidents’) can be experienced directly (by the victim) or indirectly (eg by a witness). Such critical incidents can be extraordinarily stressful.

   Sometimes a personal crisis leads to people questioning the meaning of their life. Some of these questions may be … Why did this happen to me? Why has this happened now? Where should I go from here? These issues are very valid. Dealing with these issues may be a way of trying to make sense of this experience. A major life event can lead to new directions.

   Although everyone’s experience is an individual and personal one, many people report that they experience physical, psychological and behavioural changes that they may not have experienced before. These experiences are sometimes called Critical Incident Stress, Acute Stress Reactions or Post Trauma Reactions. For most people these experiences will lessen in intensity and disappear after a few weeks. Although these signs and symptoms of a stress reaction to trauma can be unpleasant and distressing, they are common and understandable responses to a traumatic event. Many of these symptoms are part of the normal process of recovery. Possible reactions to traumatic experiences are listed below:

Emotional Effects

Fear

Anger

Sadness

Shame

Need

Guilt

Physical Effects Linked to Psychological Reactions

Sleep

Physical Problems

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