Common Responses to Trauma
Stress Everyone experiences stress. It's a normal reaction to a traumatic event. But relentless stress can drain body and mind. Although it may be impossible to eliminate stress during a crisis, some techniques may help reduce it. These may help victims and families sleep and regain energy and strength and reduce blood pressure, depression and irritability. ...... more

Symptoms to Watch for with Trauma Victims
Physical reactions · Problems eating/upset stomach · Trouble sleeping · Exhaustion · Increased heart rate/breathing · Headache · Cold sweats · Failure to engage in exercise, diet, safe sex, regular health care · Excessive smoking, drinking, drugs, food · Worsening of current medical problems ...... more

Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
It is important to learn how to cope since recovery is an ongoing process. Recovery doesn't mean the ability to forget tough experiences but the ability to effectively manage trauma-related memories, reactions, and emotions. Recognizing and accepting the impact traumatic situations have, and then taking action to improve things creates a sense of personal ...... more

Positive Coping Actions
Education When survivors learn to recognize what upsets them, they are in a better position to cope with PTSD. Understanding that PTSD is common and knowing that there are hundreds of thousands of others going through the same thing shows survivors that they are not alone or weak. Talk to another person for support With support from others, survivors ...... more

Positive Lifestyle Changes to Coping
Call about treatment or joining a PTSD support group Taking the first step can be difficult especially if the victim feels that nothing will help, but taking positive action creates a feeling of great relief. Increase contact with other survivors of trauma The best source of understanding and support are other survivors of trauma. Increasing contact ...... more

Recognizing and Dealing with Traumatic Stress Reactions
Distressing memories, images, or thoughts · Remind yourself that they are just memories · Remind yourself that it is natural to have some memories of the traumatic event · Talk about them with someone you trust · Remind yourself that memories will lessen with time Anxiety or panic · These reactions are not dangerous ...... more

Making Personal Lifestyle Changes to Deal with Stress
Physical self-care: · Eat regularly and healthily · Exercise · Get regular medical care when needed and for prevention · Take time off when sick · Get massages · Do some physical activity that is fun · Take time for sensuality · Get enough sleep · Wear clothes you like · Take vacations, ...... more

Negative Coping Actions
Negative coping actions increase problems. These are short-term solutions that will later become detrimental and hard to change, and include isolation, workaholism, violent behavior, unhealthy eating, smoking, and alcohol and drug use. Some people with PTSD try to cope with their distress in ways that lead to more problems because they aren't informed ...... more