Stress and Wellbeing - Coping in times of Crisis or Disaster

Most people involved in a traumatic incident experience some kind of emotional reaction. Although each person’s experience is different, there are a number of common responses that are experienced by the majority of those involved. It is reassuring to know that, even though these feelings can be very unpleasant, they are normal reactions in a normal person to an abnormal event.

You are not losing your mind or going crazy if you have these feelings. It is often difficult for those who were not involved to understand what the survivor is going through; you may wish to show this pamphlet to friends and relatives, and perhaps discuss your reactions with them.

Photograph by Giulio Saggin, ABC News

We all respond differently to disturbing or distressing events. These fact sheets aim to help you identify some of the common signs of stress in yourself and/or loved ones, provide tips for coping and suggest when professional help may be required.

• Stress after emergencies  (pdf, 191 KB)
• When someone you know has had a traumatic experience  (pdf, 255 KB)
• The stress of being under threat  (pdf, 190 KB)
• Common reactions to trauma  (pdf, 253 KB)
• Coping personally – general information for the community  (pdf, 245 KB)
• Coping personally - general information for health staff and volunteers  (pdf, 197 KB)
• Family and crisis  (pdf, 250 KB)
• Children and crisis  (pdf, 229 KB)
• Teenagers and crisis  (pdf, 229 KB)

Photograph by Giulio Saggin, ABC News

• your emotions or physical symptoms are too intense or persistent
• you feel too numb, cut off or you have to keep active in order not to feel
• you continue to have nightmares, poor sleep or ‘flashbacks’
• your family, social or work relationships suffer
• sexual problems develop
• you experience loss of memory and concentration
• your performance suffers at school, work or at home
• you have accidents or illness
• you increase smoking, drinking or drug taking
• you have no one to talk to about your experience
• you have lost faith in yourself or the world.

Remember that all responses are NORMAL to an ABNORMAL situation.

Photograph by Giulio Saggin, ABC News