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People who have personally witnessed or survived a disaster are most influenced by traumatic stress. Twenty percent of the people who lived near the Twin Towers in New York City suffered serious stress disorders. Even people who witnessed those events from a distance were traumatized. Over forty percent of the television viewers who witnessed the September 11 events had some stress symptoms.
Crippling Anxiety
Traumatic stress produces feelings of helplessness and vulnerability. Victims realize similar events could happen again without warning. Additionally they can sense they have lost control of their lives.
When traumatic stresses are severe or repeated, some people can have even more serious symptoms. Victims may suffer from crippling anxiety, even become emotionally numb. Some can’t stop thinking about the events and may avoid anything associated with it. Such reactions can leave victims emotionally handicapped for months, even years after a disaster.
If you feel you are having trouble coping with a severe emotional shock, consider seeking help from a psychologist or other professional.
Ways to Cope with Traumatic Stress
- Identify what you are feeling and talk about your fears or concerns.
- Think about those skills that have helped you overcome adversity in the past and try to apply them to the recent situation.
- Do things that you enjoy and that make your life meaningful.
- Get support from others. This is a major element in recovery from traumatic events.
- Give yourself time to heal. Most people are more resilient than we think.
This report is not a diagnosis. We hope this information can guide you toward improving your life.
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