Understanding Crisis & Trauma

Look here for additional resources to understand how to respond to concerns of crisis and trauma.

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Understanding Crisis and Trauma

Everyone experiences crisis at some points during life. A crisis may be personal, such as a death or the loss of a relationship, or community-wide, such as a fire on campus. Examples of crisis or trauma situations include deaths, natural disasters, violent crime, sexual assault and abuse, the aftermath of suicide, threats to public health, or campus or domestic violence. People may also experience trauma indirectly. For example, bystanders, friends or roommates of victims, family members, or public safety personnel who work with disaster or trauma victims may also be affected. Each person responds to crisis or disaster differently. It is important though, to understand the potential reactions that accompany crisis and to know how to care for yourself during times of extreme stress.

Typical Responses to Crisis/Disaster

Emotional Responses

  • Shock or denial
  • Anger or irritability
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Depression
  • Fear and anxiety
  • Mood changes
  • Numbness
  • Guilt
  • Grief

Behavioral Responses

  • Changes in activity level
  • Social withdrawal or isolation
  • Restlessness, agitation or pacing
  • Eating or appetite changes
  • Sleep disturbance/insomnia
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Inability to relax

Cognitive Responses

  • Forgetfulness
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Dreams or nightmares of the event
  • Confusion
  • "Flashbacks" of crisis event
  • Self-doubt

Physical Responses

  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Headaches and/or back pain
  • GI distress, nausea, vomiting
  • Muscle tension
  • Trembling
  • Rapid heart beat
  • Sweating or chills
  • Dizziness
  • Exaggerated startle response
  • Weakness

Tips for Coping and Self-Care

  • Reach out and make contact with others
  • Talk with friends and loved ones
  • Recognize and accept your feelings as "normal" responses to extreme circumstances
  • Express your feelings appropriately; keep a journal to help in the process
  • Structure your time
  • Maintain your usual schedule as much as you can
  • Get extra rest and set aside time to relax
  • Eat regular balanced meals even if you don't feel hungry
  • Exercise or participate in some regular physical activity
  • Delay major decisions or changes in your life
  • Avoid excessive use of alcohol or drugs
  • Consider contacting Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 206-296-6090, or a mental health professional if symptoms persist

How to Support a Friend in Crisis

  • Reach out and spend time with the person in crisis
  • Make time to talk, encourage the person to express his/her feelings, and listen
  • Respect the person's need to spend time alone, too
  • Help with everyday tasks where possible; run errands, share a meal, pick up mail, care for a pet, etc.
  • Don't try to offer false cheer or "fix things", listening non-judgmentally to another is a powerful form of support
  • Help the person connect with supportive resources on campus and in the community
  • Encourage the person to contact CAPS or seek professional help when appropriate