Most people exposed to a traumatic event or loss recover from their experiences.  However, listed below are some normal reactions to such an event and some suggestions on how to take care of yourself if you are exposed to one.

A Normal Response to an Abnormal Situation

 Possible Reactions:

                    Fatigue     
                    Anxiety
                    Sleep disturbance
                    Difficulty concentrating
                    Flashbacks of the event  
                    Crying  
                    Guilt 
                    Anger 
                    Fear   
                    Irritability                      

Suggestions:

        Try to rest a bit more.
        Talk to friends and family. 
        Minimize re-exposure to the situation (i.e. TV coverage of the event.)  
        It is okay to say, “I don’t feel like talking about it right now.”
        Re-occurring thoughts, dreams or flashbacks are normal – don’t try to fight them – they’ll decrease over time and become less 
        painful.
        Maintain as normal a schedule as possible.
        Eat well-balanced and regular meals (even when you don’t feel like it.)
        Avoid boredom.
        Engage in physical activity.
        Express your feelings as they arise.
        Seek help if the feelings become prolonged or too intense.            

All of these feelings and reactions are normal and natural, even though they may seem unusual.  It is also normal to have no reactions; they may come later, or not at all.  We are all individuals.  We all respond in our own ways.