Common Reactions to Traumatic Incidents

Reactions to traumatic incidents can come in the form of emotional, cognitive, physiological, social and behavioural and spiritual responses. It is important to recognize that these reactions do not necessarily represent an unhealthy or maladaptive response. They may be viewed “as normal responses to an abnormal event.” Reactions may occur immediately or later. Other stressors in an individual's life may influence the process as well.

Emotional Responses

Shock. Often the initial reaction to traumatic events. Shock is an individual’s emotional protection from being too overwhelmed by the event. One may feel stunned, numb, or in disbelief concerning the event.
Anxiety. This feeling can range from mild insecurity to strong panic attacks. Individuals may become anxious about their inability to take care of themselves, or fear that an event like this will happen to them or a loved one.
Sadness. One of the most common feelings following a traumatic event. It may be quite intense and be experienced as emptiness or despair.
Denial. An inability to acknowledge the impact of the situation or that the situation has occurred.
Anger. This can be one of the most confusing feelings for the individual. Anger is a response to feeling powerless, frustrated, or even abandoned.
Suffering and Grief. One may experience a period of grief during which the person gradually comes to terms with the reality of the event. Feelings that life is overwhelming, chaotic and disorganized are common.
Fear. A sense of vulnerability and seeing ones world as unpredictable and unsafe.
Uncertainty.
Aloneness.
Helplessness and/or hopelessness.
Emptiness and/or numbness.
Horror or terror.
Irritability.
Guilt and/or shame.
Depression.
Mood swings from giddiness to despair.

Cognitive Responses

Difficulty in making a decision.
Confusion.
Disorientation.
Impaired concentration and a short attention span.
Forgetfulness.
Self-blame and/or blaming others.
A lower sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
Worrying.
Intrusive or distressing thoughts and images of the traumatic event. Repeated and vivid memories of the event (flashbacks).
Thoughts of losing control.
Reduced judgment and memory.
Inability to distinguish between trivial and important matters.
Avoid talking and thinking about the traumatic event.

Physiological Responses

Physical symptoms may accompany the extreme stress caused by the traumatic event and may consist of the following:

Headaches.
Muscle tension and pains.
Fatigue, exhaustion.
Stomach or gastrointestinal upset (upset stomach, cramps, nausea).
Increased heart rate, chest pains, elevated blood pressure.
Difficulties sleeping (insomnia, nightmares).
Sexual difficulties.
Loss of appetite.
Difficulty breathing (constricted breathing, hyperventilation).
Grinding of teeth.
Muscle twitches.
Dizziness, vertigo.
Shaking.
Rubbery legs.

Pre-existing medical conditions may worsen due to the stress.

Social and Behavioural Responses

Withdrawal from family, friends, and colleagues. An individual may become withdrawn and isolated and avoid usual activities.
Interpersonal conflict. Greater conflict, such as more frequent arguments with family members, friends and colleagues may occur.
Restlessness, an inability to sit still.
Impulsivity.
Absent mindedness, increased number of mistakes.
“Spacing-out”.
Non-communicative.
Changes in speech patterns.
An exaggerated startle response.
Changes in attitude to work or school.
Changes in reactions to others.
Increased substance use.

Spiritual Responses

Feelings of anger and a distance from God.
A withdrawal from attending religious services, or the opposite can occur with a sudden turn toward God and uncharacteristic involvement in religious community activity.
One may experience faith practice (prayers, scriptures, hymns, worship, communion) as empty and without meaning.
There may be a belief that God is powerless, doesn’t care or has failed to protect, creating a questioning of one’s basic beliefs.
One may experience anger towards clergy.