CRPD RESPONSE TO FIRES ETC - Laserfiche WebLink

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and tearful or angry the next. It is important to try to identify what you are feeling so that you can be aware of how it may be influencing your thoughts and actions. Writing down your feelings in a journal can be a good way to look for any patterns and to track whether your feelings are becoming more manageable or not. What Causes These Reactions? They are a sign that the body and mind are actively trying to cope with the traumatic experience. They may not seem like logical, expected reactions. These symptoms are automatic responses that many people experience. How Long Do These Symptoms Last? The signs and symptoms of trauma should lessen with time. There are some factors that may influence how mild or severe your reactions are, such as your degree of exposure to the trauma, other personal or psychological problems, and whether you have beer, exposed to other, similar traumas in the past. If you are concerned about your reactions, note the specific symptoms that worry you. It may help to write them down. For each symptom, note the: Duration — Normally, trauma reactions will grow less intense and disappear within a few weeks. L Intensity — If the reaction interferes with your ability to carry on your life normally. Can't I Just Try to Forget About What Happened? People who have been through trauma often want to avoid reminders of the trauma, because they can be very upsetting. Sometimes they are aware of this and avoid reminders on purpose; sometimes they do it without realizing it. Ways of avoiding thoughts, feelings, and sensations associated with the trauma can include: • Avoiding conversations and staying away from places, activities, or people that might remind you of the traumatic event Having trouble remembering important parts of what happened during the trauma • "Shutting down" emotionally or feeling emotionally numb • Being unable to feel any strong emotion • Feeling strange or "not yourself' • Feeling disconnected from the world around you Avoiding situations that might make you have a strong emotional reaction Experiencing "weird" or unusual physical sensations • Feeling physically numb, not feeling pain or other sensations Losing interest in things you used to enjoy Avoiding thoughts about the trauma or avoiding treatment for your trauma-related problems is a temporary, but risky, solution. By facing your fears and getting help when needed, you will find your symptoms ease and you can get back to "normal" more quickly.