Following a sudden loss or a traumatic event, individuals or a group may experience a wide range of reactions, many of them normal and predictable. It is very common for people to experience emotional aftershocks when they have been impacted by a tragic event. Even though the event may be over, you may now be experiencing or may experience later, some strong emotional or physical reactions.

While everyone will be different and experience sadness, stress, grief, and loss in different ways, emotional aftershocks (or stress reactions) may appear immediately after the traumatic event, a few hours, or even a few days or weeks later. Much of this depends on the personal impact and severity of the event.

The understanding and support of loved ones and one’s natural support networks usually help stress reactions to pass more quickly. Occasionally, the traumatic event is so painful that professional assistance may be necessary. This is particularly important if an individual is having thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or reactions that impact their health, safety, and overall functioning*. This does not imply weakness. It simply indicates that the particular event was too powerful for the person to manage by themselves.

* Requires immediate referral to a trained mental health or medical professional

** Requires immediate referral to a trained medical professional

Things You Can Do to Help Yourself

• WITHIN THE FIRST 24-48 Hours: try periods of appropriate physical exercise alternated with relaxation. This helps to alleviate some of the physical reactions.
• Recognize everyone will react differently – there is no right way. Make healthy choices that work for you.
• Structure your time; keep busy.
• Remember that you are most likely having normal reactions. Talk to a professional if they become severe and interfere with overall functioning or if you’re concerned about your level of reactions. (Seek out professional help immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self-harm or harming others, or if you have serious medical issues such as chest pains, panic attacks, etc.)
• Talk to people; talking is healing. Seek out and use your natural support networks. Let others know what you need and what will be helpful.
• Be aware of numbing the pain with overuse of drugs or alcohol.
• Maintain as normal a schedule as possible.
• Help your friends, neighbors, and co-workers as much as possible by sharing feelings and checking out how they are doing.
• Give yourself permission to feel rotten and share your feelings with others.
• Keep a journal/log; write your way through sleepless hours.
• Do things that feel good to you.
• Realize that those around you may also be under stress.
• Don’t make any big life changes.
• Do make as many daily decisions as possible that will give you a feeling of control over your life (i.e., if someone asks you what you want to wear, consider an answer even if you’re not sure).
• Don’t try to fight re-occurring thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks - they are normal and will decrease over time and become less painful.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat well-balanced and regular meals (even if you don’t feel like it).

Things Friends and Family Can Do to Help

• Ask what they need.
• Listen! Be supportive! Don’t be critical.
• Spend time with the person.
• Offer your assistance and a listening ear even if they have not asked for help.
• Reassure them.
• Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for family, or taking care of children.
• Give them some private time.
• Make sure they are taking time for themselves.
• Don’t take their frustration, anger, or other feelings personally.
• Don’t tell them that they are “lucky it wasn’t worse.” A traumatized person is not consoled by these statements. Instead, tell them that you are sorry such an event has occurred and you want to understand and assist.
• Be aware of resources and recommend them.
• If you’re worried about their reactions or if they are more severe than you feel comfortable with, get them to talk to a professional or seek consultation yourself to see what to do to help.

(Help them seek our professional help immediately if they experience suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self-harm or harming others, or if they have serious medical issues such as chest pains, panic attacks, etc.)

GVSU University Counseling Center

(616) 331-3266

www.gvsu.edu/counsel

Allendale Campus

206 Student Services Bldg.

Pew Campus

101B DeVos

GVSU Emergency and Crisis Support Resources

www.gvsu.edu/counsel/emergency

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988

988lifeline.org

Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for mental health support, available 24/7/365.

Crisis Text Line

Text "HOME" to 741741

The Crisis Text Line provides trained volunteers to offer support 24/7.