CISM: We are here to help!

You may have experienced a traumatic event or a critical incident (any event that causes unusually strong emotional reactions that have the potential to interfere with the ability to function normally). Even though the event may be over, you may now be experiencing or may experience later, some strong emotional or physical reactions. It is very common, in fact quite normal, for people to experience emotional aftershocks when they have passed through a horrible event.

Sometimes the emotional aftershocks (or stress reactions) appear immediately after the traumatic event. Sometimes they may appear a few hours or a few days later. And, in some cases, weeks or months may pass before the stress reactions appear.

The signs and symptoms of a stress reaction may last a few days, a few weeks, a few months, or longer, depending on the severity of the traumatic event. The understanding and the support of loved ones usually cause the stress reactions to pass more quickly. Occasionally, the traumatic event is so painful that professional assistance may be necessary. This does not imply craziness or weakness. It simply indicates that the particular event was just too powerful for the person to manage by himself.

Here are some common signs and signals of a stress reaction:

Cognitive	Behavioral	Emotional	Physical*
confusion nightmares uncertainty hypervigilance suspiciousness intrusive images blaming someone poor problem solving poor abstract thinking poor attention/ decisions poor concentration/memory disorientation of time, place or person difficulty identifying objects or people heightened or lowered alertness increased or decreased awareness of surroundings etc...	withdrawal antisocial acts inability to rest intensified pacing erratic movements change in social activity change in speech patterns loss or increase of appetite hyperalert to environment increased alcohol consumption change in usual communications etc...	fear guilt grief panic denial anxiety agitation irritability depression intense anger apprehension emotional shock emotional outbursts feeling overwhelmed loss of emotional control inappropriate emotional response etc...	chills thirst fatigue nausea fainting twitches vomiting dizziness weakness chest pain headaches elevated BP rapid heart rate muscle tremors shock symptoms grinding of teeth visual difficulties profuse sweating difficulty breathing etc...

INFORMATION

These informational handouts may be reprinted with the permission of the NATCA CISM Team, the Employee Assistance Program, and the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.

Facility Representatives may and should distribute these handouts to employees after a critical incident. Also, they may be used for educational purposes by all bargaining unit members at any time.

Introduction to Critical Incident Stress

What is a CISD?

Signs and Signals of a Stress Reaction

Things to try after a critical incident

Information for significant others

How Co-Workers can be supportive