You may have experienced a traumatic event. Even though the event may be over, you may now be experiencing, or may experience in the future, some strong emotional or physical reactions to the trauma.

It is quite common and perfectly normal to experience stress reactions when you have passed through a horrible ordeal.

Sometimes the stress reactions appear immediately after the traumatic event. Sometimes they may appear a few hours or even days later. In some cases weeks or months may pass before the stress reactions appear.

With understanding and support from others stress reactions usually pass more quickly. Occasionally however, the traumatic event is so painful that professional assistance from a specialist doctor or trauma counsellor may be necessary. This does imply craziness or weakness. It simply indicates that your reaction to the trauma is too powerful to manage without the help of others.

ANGER Some people feel outrage and anger at what has happened to them. They may feel angry at an assilant, at the senselessness and injustice of an event, at someone who may have been responsible, or at others for lack of understanding of the experience of the trauma.

SELF BLAME AND GUILT Some people feel that they are to blame for the event, or regret actions taken or not taken. These feeling of self-blame and guilt can be intense.

SHAME Some people feel that they did not act in the way that they would have liked to. They may feel degraded by the event, or that they were exposed as helpless or weak. This can lead to feelings of shame or disgust with self.

FEAR AND ANXIETY Many people are afraid of a similar event occuring again and injuring themselfs or loved ones. They can also be afraid of "breaking down" or "losing control" in certain situations. This fear can result in a variety of physical, cognitive and behavioural symptoms, including avoidance of situations percieved to be dangerous.

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Post Traumatic Stress Sufferers and System abuse Victims Steering Group,

Contact Chris Howells email Chris.Howells@NTLworld.com

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