Stress
Symptoms
Reactions are normal and expected after emergency events and/or disasters. Symptoms commonly experienced include:
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Physical Signs -
- Headaches
- Stomachaches
- Body aches and pains
- Trouble sleeping
- Oversleeping
- Change in appetite
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Allergy flare-ups
- Fatigue
- Nausea
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Increased illness
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Emotional Signs -
- Sadness
- Anger
- Fear or anxiety
- Feelings of helplessness
- Grief
- Irritability
- Shock, disbelief, feeling of numbness
- Denial, avoiding discussions of the events
- Outrage
- Memories of prior events
Behaviors:
Persons experiencing stress may exhibit any of the following behaviors:
- Isolation
- Becoming overly protective
- Easily startled
- Increased conflicts at home and work
- Greater dependence on others
- Changes in social activities
- Difficulty with sexual relationships
- Change in spiritual/worship habits
Extreme Symptoms:
Other reactions are considered extreme, and should cause you to seek professional help. Be alert if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms:
- Extreme cases of normal symptoms, i.e. staying in bed for days or even weeks;
- Feelings of depression or anxiety that interfere with daily activities;
- Excessive use of drugs or drinking to escape feelings;
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Constantly increased conflicts with loved ones;
Prolonged physical reactions, i.e. disrupted sleep habits, constant state of anxiety.
Coping:
You can take steps to help yourself, your family members, friends and co-workers as we all cope with the emotional and physical results of emergencies. The following is a list of "self-help" suggestions that is designed to help you cope with stressful events.
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Get some exercise. Within the first 24 to 48 hours after an event, short periods of physical exercise will alleviate some of the physical reactions to stress.
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Keep yourself busy. If you structure your time, you won't have a chance to get "down."
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Remind yourself that you are normal, and your reactions are normal.
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Talk. Conversation is one of the most therapeutic things you can do.
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Be conscious of overuse of drugs or alcohol. This behavior can complicate things further and lead to substance abuse.
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Keep your life as routine and normal as possible.
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Realize that it is okay to spend time alone.
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Help your coworkers by sharing feelings and checking out how they are doing - but respect their feelings if they don't want to talk.
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Do things you enjoy. Indulging yourself will make you feel better.
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Keep in mind that the reactions others have won't be normal; stress could cause them to act and react differently than usual.
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Write in a journal, especially if you are having trouble sleeping.
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Don't make any major life changes. Buying that new car or getting married on the spur of the moment could lead to more stress down the road.
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Make as many decisions as you can on a daily basis. This will give you a sense of control over the events of your own life.
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Consult COMCARE of Sedgwick County by calling 263-3770 if you need assistance. This helpline is available 24 hours a day. Mobile crisis teams are also available.
For more information and assistance:
Call COMCARE of Sedgwick County, (316) 660-7540 or the Crisis Help Line, (316) 660-7500
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