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