When traumatic events happen, all of us manifest certain indicators, signs and symptoms.
These signs indicate that our reactions and responses, physically and psychologically.
So here is a list of symptoms so that you can help yourself if ever a traumatic event happens to you.
By knowing these already, you can prepare yourself ahead when any traumatic event would occur.
Nothing can really make your entire self ready for any traumatic event, but this knowledge can help.
- Anxiety.
Well, when something traumatic happens, anxiety is a common normal response.
However, this anxiety can be specifically triggered by reminders of the event.
- Self-criticism.
You may feel that you should have done something, or you should have been better to prevent what happened.
You may tend to criticize your reactions of panic etc.
- Guilt.
If others have suffered more than you, you might feel guilty for not sharing in their suffering.
- Helplessness.
As something bad happens, you may begin to feel your vulnerability.
You may begin to feel that you can indeed be easily got hurt.
- Depression.
Sadness, more than usual, can be chronic and can seem long or life lasting.
- Thoughts of distress.
Disturbing images can recur and come to mind over and over again.
- Loneliness.
The feeling that no one is there and that no one else can understand, can dominate one's thought and emotional state.
- Being overly cautious about safety.
You may tend to be paranoid about your own and others' safety.
- Emotional numbness.
You may feel apathetic about everything, and may seem to care for nothing.
- Unusual body fatigue.
You get very tired all the time even with minimal work.
- Family and work conflicts.
These conflicts may come out of the blue with no apparent reason.
- Loss of faith or anger towards God.
One's sense of purpose in life can be questioned.
- Unreasonable irritability or anger.
The feeling of irritation does not seem to go away.
- Carelessness in ordinary duties or tasks.
Tasks are left unfinished and done hastily.
- Difficulty of concentration.
You cannot focus or pay enough attention to the task at hand.
- Nightmares.
Even "flashbacks" are seen in dreams.
- Sleep problems.
Insomnia and waking too early can happen.
- Jumpiness.
The feeling of being startled by things that are not that stimulating, such as common noises etc.
This list can help you adjust to any traumatic encounter, so be familiar with these symptoms.