Insight4Change

SPECIALIZING IN TREATING ADDICTION

  JoAnne Lapi-Nuccio LMHC, CAP

What happens to people after experiencing a disaster or other traumatic event?

Shock and denial are often the primary responses to unexpected, unforeseen events that have devastating consequences.
Denial involves your difficulty in acknowledging the event, or not experiencing fully the intensity of the event. The person experiences numbness and a disconnection from life.
As the initial shock subsides, reactions vary from person to person.

The following are normal responses to a traumatic event:

• Feelings become intense and sometimes are unpredictable

• Thoughts and behavior patterns are affected by the trauma

• Recurring emotional reactions are common

• Physical symptoms may accompany the extreme stress

Some people are able to cope effectively with the emotional and physical demands brought about by a natural disaster or other traumatic experience by using their own support systems. It is not unusual, however, to find that serious problems persist and continue to interfere with daily living.

Individuals with prolonged reactions that disrupt their daily functioning should consult with a trained and experienced mental health professional to help them find constructive ways of dealing with the emotional impact of the traumatic event.