ARCHIPELAGO Critical Incident Stress Management Society - Founded 2005

The normal reaction to an abnormal event.

 

Learning what normal is.

 

Knowing what happens in the body when there is a stress reaction.

 

ACUTE STRESS REACTIONS

 

Physical

Nausia, upset stomach, sweating, treamours, increased heart rate and blood pressure, Hyperventilation, chest pains, headaches, muscle soreness, loss of coordination, fatigue, changes in libido.

 

Emotional

Anxiety, guilt, fear,  grief and depression, emotional numbing helplessness, loss, abandonment, withdrawl, anger, resentment, scapegoating, shock.

 

Cognitive

Impaired thinking and decision making, poor concentration, poor memory, short attention span, confusion, flashbacks, intrusive images.

 

Behavioural

Pacing, restlessness, erratic movements, changes in activity, speech pater, emotional outbursts.

 

Spiritual

Shift of world view.

 

 

DELAYED STRESS RESPONSE

 

Physical

Changes in eating habits, general sleep disturbance, lower sex drive, changes in menstrual cycle, grinding of teeth.

 

Emotional

Loss of emotional control, feeling of isolation, patter of depression, anger, guilt, denial, anticipatory anxiety.

 

Cognitive

Memory loss, poor concentration, intrusive memories, lower interest in loved ones, marital conflict, wishing to hide, wishing to die.

 

Behavioural

Changes in interactions with others, antisocial acts, substance abuse, intense startle reflex, suspiciousness, withdrawl.

 

 

STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

 

Techniques to avoid stressors

Problem solving

Time management

Nutritional management

Avoiding known stressors

 

Techniques to reduce stress arousal

Proper rest / sleep patterns

Mental techniques

Physical techniques

 

Techniques to ventilate stress arousal

Physical exercise

Catharsis

Things you have done that worked well in the past

 

Mental techniques

Anticipation and avoidance

Reducing importance of an event

Reducing uncertainty

Imagery and visualization

Thought awareness, rational thinking, and positive thinking

Self hypnosis

Meditation

 

Physical techniques

Exercise

Progressive muscle relaxation

breathing

biofeedback