Stress Symptoms

The following are samples of stress symptoms and reactions that can appear during or after a critical incident or a traumatic event:

Cognitive (Thinking)

  • Poor concentration slowed problem solving
  • Poor attention span difficulties with calculation
  • Memory problems difficulty making decisions
  • Confusion

Emotional (Feeling)

  • Depression loss of emotional control
  • Guilt anxiety/fear
  • Grief feeling lost/overwhelmed
  • Anger

Physical (Body)

  • Muscle tremors gastro-intestinal distress
  • Headaches difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain elevated blood pressure

Behavioral (Actions)

  • Excessive silence withdrawal from contact
  • Unusual behaviors changes in eating habits
  • Sleep disturbance changes in work habits