Wellbeing Services Counselling Service

Common Reactions Following a Crisis

It is often helpful for people who have experienced a crisis to know that some reactions commonly occur. It is also useful for others to be aware of these reactions so that they can help support the person experiencing them.

You may experience some of these reactions:

Physical Mental
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Upset Stomach
  • Diarrhoea
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Feeling Uncoordinated
  • Easily Startled
  • Sleep Problems
  • Muscle Aches
  • Tremors in Lips & Hands
  • Increased Blood Pressure
  • Rapid Heart Beat
  • Rapid Breathing
  • Profuse Sweating
  • Confusion
  • Disorientation
  • Disturbing Dreams
  • Slowed Thinking
  • Poor Attention Span
  • Memory Problems
  • Intrusive Thoughts
  • Reliving the Event
  • Difficulty with:
    • Decision Making
    • Problem Solving
    • Concentration
    • Naming Objects

Emotional
  • Worry About Others
  • Withdrawal
  • Sadness
  • Guilt
  • Anger
  • Fear
  • Anxiety
  • Shame
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Feeling:
    • Abandoned
    • Isolated
    • Shocked
    • Numb

 

Remember these responses are COMMON reactions to an UNCOMMON situation.

top of page