Long-Lasting Reactions…
After we have gone through a traumatic event, sometimes, our
body’s alarm system begins to work even when there is no
danger or threat anymore. These long-lasting reactions to traumatic
experiences can include:
g Re-experiencing: This means we get memories of or feelings
about what happened such as a flashback, which is
when the body reacts as if we are living through the traumatic event
again.
g Avoidance and numbing: This means avoiding the feelings, thoughts,
people, places, and/or activities that might remind us of the event;
and feeling like we are outside of ourselves or disconnected from
others.
g Increased arousal: This means being easily scared or startled, having
outbursts or fits of anger, having problems sleeping or concentrating,
feeling more irritable or angry than usual, and being on-guard for
danger all the time.