References are identified after answers. Q) What are common personal reactions to a disaster?
• Feeling hopeless about the future & detached or unconcerned about others • Having trouble concentrating • Jumpy & startle easily at sudden noise • On guard and constantly alert • Having disturbing dreams/memories • You may also experience more physical reactions such as: • Stomach upset, trouble eating • Trouble sleeping & exhaustion • Pounding heart, rapid breathing • Severe headache if thinking of the event, sweating • Failure to engage in exercise, diet, safe sex, regular health care • Excess smoking, alcohol, drugs, food • Worsening of chronic medical problems • Or have more emotional troubles such as: • Feeling nervous, helpless, fearful, sad • Feeling numb, unable to experience love or joy • Avoiding people, places, and things related to the event • Being irritable or outbursts of anger • Becoming easily upset or agitated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder “PTSD is a condition that can develop after someone has experienced a life-threatening situation. People with PTSD often can’t
