NATIONAL NEWS - Struggling after a traumatic experience? Feeling guilty, scared, confused, overwhelmed, angry? Having flashbacks, recurring nightmares, appetite changes?
Trauma is explained by Karin du Plessis, project manager and acting director of Families SA (Famsa) Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
According to Du Plessis, thus far the Famsa offices in Spring Street Knysna have been quiet, "and that is because people are still picking up the pieces and trying to create a sense of safety around them. Once that has happened and the ordeal is over, people will start thinking about what has happened and they will start feeling it," she said.
Du Plessis said that because people might still be on a sort of adrenaline high at the moment and they are thinking about the immediate situation, they aren't keeping in mind that they have been through an emotional and traumatizing ordeal. "It's the human survival instinct kicking in," she added.
"But what people must remember is that from every high there must come a low, and that is why Famsa is here for all residents affected by this situation. Our counselors are trained in specific areas and are supervised and consulted on their cases on a monthly basis. Until people realise we are here for them and that they might need us, we need to inform them of what can happen to them and what they can do about it," Du Plessis said.
The traumatised person
An incident is traumatic because of an event that is out of your control. Every person is different and will experience the trauma differently. Some people may want to speak about the event, others may choose not to. Nobody should be forced to speak about the incident. The emotions experienced are normal, whether shock, disbelief, anger, frustration, guilt, feelings of isolation, sadness, helplessness or depression.
Post-traumatic stress responses after the incident
These responses happen to most people. They will pass. If they persist, professional help must be sought for an assessment. Some people only experience some or may not experience any of these responses, which is also normal.
Some of these responses are:
• Tiredness • Nightmares
• Mood swings
• Memory failure
• Problems with concentration
• Too much sleeping
• Muscle tension
• Social withdrawal
• Flashbacks of the event
Coping strategies
• Ask for help, reach out to others.
• Cry if you need too.
• Talk about the experience to good listeners, should you need to talk.
• Humour – laughter is the best medicine.
• Exercise such as walking or jogging.
• Prayer or meditation.
• Write about the event.
• Rest, listen to music and eat a balanced diet.
• Try to maintain your usual routine as far as possible.
• Call for assistance – individual counselling is available.
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