When to ask for Help

As mentioned earlier, reactions to traumatic events usually fade as time passes. Some events, however, are extremely distressing, may go on for a long time, or have a special and personal meaning for you. Under such circumstances you may wish to seek further help. You should consider this if:

Your intense feeling or body sensations continue to be overwhelming
If your feelings are not falling into place
If memories, dreams and images of the traumatic incident continue to intrude on your consciousness making you feel frightened and deprived of rest
If you can find no relief from tension, confusion, a sense of emptiness or exhaustion
If your work performance is affected
If you have to keep active to avoid feeling upset
If you have nightmares or cannot sleep
If you find yourself getting uncontrollably angry
If you have no person or group with whom to openly share your feelings
If your relationships are suffering
If you find yourself more accident prone
If you find your smoking, eating and drinking habits change
If you feel 'burnt out'

Post Incident Support

Let Us Help!

Common Reactions to Trauma

Do's and Don'ts

Help

Emergency service personnel are more at risk of traumatisation than members of the general public, however, circumstances outside the normal range of human experience are part and parcel of emergency work. Personnel become more resilient or 'hardened' by both their training and experience and do not necessarily require help.

While it is common to be affected by events, these reactions typically fade over a reasonably short period of time. This is a normal reaction. However, if these reactions persist for more than a month, it may be helpful to consider that operational readiness or general life adjustments may be adversely affected. This may be the time to consider seeking additional support if you have not already done so.

Let Us Help!

Traumatic or harrowing experiences can leave you feeling isolated, shocked and confused. We would like to offer you help and support to overcome any difficulties if needed by:

Being there to listen
Providing extra help or counselling
Helping you back to work
Providing support so that you may remain at work

Common Reactions to Trauma

You may feel:

Angry
Emotional
Tearful
Tired
Tense
Restless
Anxious
Numb
Irritable
Alone
Worthless
Jumpy
Guilty
Isolated
Depressed
Low Mood
You may re-experience the incident in flashbacks or nightmares
You may have problems with concentration, sleeping, eating and sex

Remember these feelings are a normal part of adjusting to what you have experienced and should begin to fade in a week or so, but if they persist for up to a month or start at a later date, please talk to someone such as your:

Line Manager
Occupational Health or Welfare Adviser
Family Doctor

Do....

Discuss the incident with your work colleagues
Talk about your feelings
Ask for help if needed
Speak to your GP
Try relaxation and exercise to unwind
Go back to work as soon as possible

Don't....

Drink alcohol
Take un-prescribed sleeping tablets or other medication
Cut yourself off from your work colleagues
Get overtired
Skip meals
Bottle things up

Remember, we are here to help you.

All matters will be treated confidentially