Traumatic
Incident Stress: Information |
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Traumatic
incidents can produce unusually strong emotional reactions that
may interfere with your ability to function at the scene or later: |
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Remember
that strong emotions are normal reactions to an abnormal situation! |
Table 1. Symptoms of stress that may be experienced during or after a traumatic incident |
Physical* |
Cognitive |
Emotional** |
Behavioral |
Chest
pain* Difficulty breathing* Shock symptoms* Fatigue Nausea/vomiting Dizziness Profuse sweating Rapid heart rate Thirst Headaches Visual difficulties Clenching of jaw Nonspecific aches and pains |
Confusion Nightmares Disorientation Heightened or lowered alertness Poor concentration Memory problems Poor problem solving Difficulty identifying familiar objects or people |
Anxiety Guilt Grief Denial Severe panic (rare) Fear Irritability Loss of emotional control Depression Sense of failure Feeling overwhelmed Blaming others or self |
Intense
anger Withdrawal Emotional outburst Temporary loss or increase of appetite Excessive alcohol consumption Inability to rest, pacing Change in sexual functioning |
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What You Can Do On-site |
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What You Can Do at Home |
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Additional Resources |
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This document is also available in PDF. |
Please
stay safe at work. |
October
2001 |