Suicide and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms

– Emergency Services Unit, Mental Health Center of Dane Co.-July 1996

If you’ve experienced a suicide in the recent past, or even the not-so-recent past, there’s a good chance that you will also experience strong emotional aftershocks, as well as physical reactions to the trauma. This is not only common, it is quite normal.

These aftershocks, or stress reactions, may appear at any point after the traumatic event, from immediately afterwards, to days, weeks or months later. Similarly, the duration of stress reactions varies greatly, from a few days, weeks, months, or occasionally, longer – depending on the individual and the severity of the traumatic event. It is not unusual for a life event, such as an anniversary or holiday, or for a current stress to trigger a recurrence of some of the symptoms.

Usually with the support and understanding of loved ones, the stress symptoms subside with time, but on occasion the traumatic event is so painful that professional assistance from a counselor or therapist is necessary. It’s important to realize that this doesn’t imply weakness or “craziness”; it simply means that the impact of the trauma, in this case a suicide, was just too powerful for the individual to manage by himself/herself.
Here are some very common signs and symptoms of stress reactions:

Physical
•Nausea
•Tremors (lips, hands)
•Feeling Uncoordinated
•Profuse Sweating
•Sleep Disturbances
•Chills
•Diarrhea
•Dizziness
•Chest Pain (should be checked at hospital)
•Rapid Heart beat
•Rapid Breathing
•Increased Blood Pressure
•Headaches
•Muscles Aches
•Sleep Disturbance

Thinking
•Slowed Thinking
•Difficulty Problem-solving
•Confusion
•Disorientation (especially to time and place)
•Difficulty Calculating
•Difficulty Concentrating
•Memory Problems
•Difficulty Naming Common Objects
•Seeing the Event Over & Over
•Distressing Dreams
•Poor Attention Span

Post Traumatic Stress

Emotional
•Anxiety
•Fear
•Guilt
•Grief
•Depression
•Sadness
•Feeling Abandoned
•Feeling Isolated
•Worry About Others
•Wanting to Hide
•Wanting to Limit Contact With Others
•Anger
•Irritability
•Feeling Numb
•Startled
•Shocked

Trying some of the following suggestions may help to alleviate the emotional pain associated with a traumatic event.

For Yourself

•Try to rest a bit more.
•Contact friends.
•Have someone stay with you or stay with someone
for at least a short while.
•Reoccurring thoughts, dreams or flashbacks are normal – don’t try to fight them, they’ll decrease over time.
•Maintain as normal a schedule as possible.
•Eat well-balanced and regular meals, even when you don’t feel like it.
•Try to keep a reasonable level of activity.
•Fight against boredom.
•Physical activity can be helpful.
•Express your feelings as they arise.
•Talk to people who love you.
•Find a good counselor if the feelings become prolonged or too intense.

For Family Members & Friends

•Listen carefully.
•Spend time with the traumatized person.
•Offer your assistance and a listening ear even if the person hasn’t asked for help.
•Reassure the person that he/she is safe.
•Help with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for children and family.
•Give the person some private time.
•Don’t take anger or other feelings personally.

SOS Newsletter Article, Mental Health Center of Dane County, Inc.