'The After Effects'“The conflict between the will to deny horrible events and the will to proclaim them aloud is the central dialectic of psychological trauma.”
― Judith Lewis Herman, Trauma and Recovery |
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'The After Effects'
It is very common for crime victims to experience stress as the result of a crime. Similar reactions are encountered both by victims, as well as by witnesses, or family and friends of crime victims.
The reactions you feel may vary in intensity and duration. They may occur whether or not you were physically harmed. Although these thoughts, feelings and reactions are most upsetting, it is important for you to remember they are a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. These feelings can last for several hours, days, or even months before you are able to come to grips with them and accept the situation as having happened to you and not someone else.
Feelings…
*continued feelings of fear
*feeling of emotionally withdrawn and numb
*lack of enjoyment of normal everyday activities
*lack of trust in others
*anger, rage & need for revenge
Thoughts…
*repetitive thoughts or memories of the events
*reoccurring dreams or nightmares
*being caught off-guard by a person, place or event which reminds you of the crime
*trouble concentrating and remembering things
*reconstructing the events in your mind, so as to regain a sense of control
*questioning your ‘world view’ of spiritual beliefs
Behaviors...
*being hyper-alert and easily startled
*being overprotective of your safety and the safety of others
*avoiding activities which are reminders of what happened
*avoiding real or symbolic violence (T.V., movies, etc)
*isolating yourself from other people or favorite activities
The reactions you feel may vary in intensity and duration. They may occur whether or not you were physically harmed. Although these thoughts, feelings and reactions are most upsetting, it is important for you to remember they are a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. These feelings can last for several hours, days, or even months before you are able to come to grips with them and accept the situation as having happened to you and not someone else.
Feelings…
*continued feelings of fear
*feeling of emotionally withdrawn and numb
*lack of enjoyment of normal everyday activities
*lack of trust in others
*anger, rage & need for revenge
Thoughts…
*repetitive thoughts or memories of the events
*reoccurring dreams or nightmares
*being caught off-guard by a person, place or event which reminds you of the crime
*trouble concentrating and remembering things
*reconstructing the events in your mind, so as to regain a sense of control
*questioning your ‘world view’ of spiritual beliefs
Behaviors...
*being hyper-alert and easily startled
*being overprotective of your safety and the safety of others
*avoiding activities which are reminders of what happened
*avoiding real or symbolic violence (T.V., movies, etc)
*isolating yourself from other people or favorite activities
Recognizing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress is the first step in the healing process. It is important to allow yourself the privilege of time to grieve your losses, such as physical injuries or emotional feelings of insecurity. You must give yourself permission to heal at your own pace.
Having a traumatic stress reaction is like catching the flu. We cannot prevent the virus, but we can help alleviate the symptoms and promote personal growth by recognizing the problem exists. One of the most critical elements of the healing process is being able to talk about the event and your feelings. Others, however, may not be willing to listen when you are ready to talk. Some people may not be able to provide support when and how you need it. It is very important you seek support from as many sources as possible, including family, friends, co-workers, professional counselors, and/or victim advocates.
Your life history, values, social support, impact of the event, and degree of personal responsibility are all factors affecting the speed with which you resolve your trauma. As a long term goal, it will be important to include and integrate this event into your daily life. By doing this, it will help you plan your future with a sense of strength.
If you have any questions about your feelings or reactions, or if you just need someone to talk to about your victimization, please feel free to contact us, 462-3319.
Having a traumatic stress reaction is like catching the flu. We cannot prevent the virus, but we can help alleviate the symptoms and promote personal growth by recognizing the problem exists. One of the most critical elements of the healing process is being able to talk about the event and your feelings. Others, however, may not be willing to listen when you are ready to talk. Some people may not be able to provide support when and how you need it. It is very important you seek support from as many sources as possible, including family, friends, co-workers, professional counselors, and/or victim advocates.
Your life history, values, social support, impact of the event, and degree of personal responsibility are all factors affecting the speed with which you resolve your trauma. As a long term goal, it will be important to include and integrate this event into your daily life. By doing this, it will help you plan your future with a sense of strength.
If you have any questions about your feelings or reactions, or if you just need someone to talk to about your victimization, please feel free to contact us, 462-3319.
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