Gonzales Regional Children's Advocacy Center

Serving
Gonzales and Lavaca
Counties

1604 St. Paul St., Gonzales, Tx 78629 Phone 830-672-1278

PROUD MEMBERS OF:

A 501 (C) (3) Tax exempt organization

OUR MISSION
To restore the dignity, hope
and security to children of
Gonzales, Lavaca and
surrounding counties by uniting
public officials and our
community.

Trauma Reaction Information

Trauma is anything that overwhelms our ability to cope. If you have experienced a traumatic event or a critical
incident, it may interfere with the ability to function normally. Even though the event is over, you may now be
experiencing some strong emotional or physical reactions. It is very common for people to experience
emotional aftershocks.

Possible Trauma Responses

Physical Reactions

Fatigue
Nausea
Fainting
Twitches
Vomiting
Dizziness
Weakness
Chest pain
Headaches
Rapid heartbeat
Muscle tremors
Shock symptoms
Grinding of teeth
Visual difficulties
Profuse sweating
Difficulty breathing

*These are only a sampling of possible symptoms that a survivor may experience. Any of these symptoms may indicate the need
for medical evaluation. When in doubt, contact a physician.

Cognitive Reactions

Confusion
Nightmares or night terrors
Uncertainty
Hypervigilance
Suspiciousness
Intrusive images
Blaming someone
Poor problem solving
Poor attention/decision making
Poor concentration/memory
Disorientation
Heightened or lowered alertness

Emotional Reactions

Fear
Guilt
Grief
Panic
Denial
Anxiety
Agitation
Irritability
Depression
Intense anger
Apprehension
Emotional outbursts
Feeling overwhelmed
Excessive crying

Behavioral Responses

Withdrawal
Antisocial acts
Inability to rest
Intensified pacing
Erratic movements
Change in social activity
Change in speech patterns
Loss or increase in appetite
Hyper-alert to environment
Alcohol/drug use
Change in usual
communications

Your reactions are normal; you are not "going crazy."

esume your normal routine as soon as possible, especially exercise, and take time for relaxation.
Counseling
Beware of numbing the pain with drugs or alcohol.
Reach out to family and friends who care and can be supportive.
Keep a journal.
Don't make any big life changes.
Get plenty of rest.
Eat well-balanced and healthy meals.
Do things that help you feel good about yourself.

What Can You Do?

How Family & Friends Can Help

Listen carefully. Do not ask questions or pry.
Spend time with your friend/family member.
Help with every day tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for children. These tasks can seem overwhelming after a
traumatic event.
Give your friend or loved one some private time.
Don't take anger or other feelings personally.
Don't say things like "You're lucky...it could have been worse." A traumatized person is not consoled by those
statements. Instead, tell them that you are sorry such an event has occurred and you are there if they need you.