Advice for the Survivor, their family and friends.

After a Stressful Incident, you may feel:

• Depressed
• Anxious
• Irritable
• Isolated
• Angry

You may experience:

• Poor concentration
• Sleep disturbances
• Changes in eating habits
• Loss of emotional control
• Lowered sex drive
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Difficulties at work
• Conflict in relationships

You may fear:

• Memories/Flashbacks
• Repetition of the event
• Nightmares

Take Care of Yourself

Do:

• See your physician to see if there is a medical reason for what you are experiencing.
• Expect the incident to have an impact on you, and what you feel is probably normal.
• Talk with someone you trust, someone whom you can tell as much or as little as you want.
• Maintain a good diet and exercise.
• Take time for leisure activities.
• Be gentle with yourself as you heal from the event.
• Spend time with family, friends and co-workers.
• If you feel the effects/symptoms of the incident are lasting too long, contact one of the resources on the back of this pamphlet.
  

Avoid:

• The use of alcohol or other drugs to numb post-trauma feelings. You can work through them.
• Withdrawing from family, friends and co-workers.
• Automatically staying away from where the incident occurred.
• Looking for answers to explain the reason for the incident.
• Thinking you are “crazy”.
• Having unrealistic expectations for recovery.
• Making major decisions unless absolutely necessary.

Family and Friends:

• Do not reassure them that “everything is okay”. Things are not okay for them yet, but sometime, they will be. They do not have to do it alone. Others will be there for them.
• You can ask if they want to talk. Just listening can be very helpful.
• Do not think that you must have the answers or explanations for their questions. Just listen as they find their own.
• Encourage them to contact one of the resources on the back of this pamphlet, if they feel the effects/symptoms of the incident are lasting too long.

Resources

In Hospital:

Spiritual Care
684-6235 or 684-6236

Social Work
684-6385

In the Community:

Your Employee Assistance Program

Your Physician

Your Clergy

“Marriage, Family and Individual Counselors” in the yellow pages of your telephone directory.

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