What is the reaction of the body and mind to disturbing events

Behaviour reactions are: palpitations, trembling or sweating, easily startled by noises, breathing difficulties, headaches or muscle aches, digestive problems such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea or a change in eating patterns, tiredness, fatigue, restlessness, increased irritability

increased use of alcohol and/or drugs

withdrawal or detachment from others, loss of interest in social activities, lack of motivation, avoidance of certain places or situations that are reminders of the experience & sleep problems.

Thoughts: Flashbacks or re-experiencing the disturbing event while awake, or in dreams, pre-occupation with what happened, repetitive thoughts, asking 'why?', confused or slowed thinking difficulty concentrating or making decisions

experiencing memory problems, feeling responsible.

Emotions: increased anxiety, panic attacks

troubled or distressed when exposed to other disturbing events e. g. on television or in the newspaper, worry about others

feelings of abandonment, isolation, powerlessness, feeling out of control or that life and the world are out of control

numbness and/or mood swings, may experience a variety of emotions, including depression, sadness, guilt, blame, anger, frustration fear, and irritability.