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Symptoms
Critical Incident
Stress, also referred to as CIS, can affect people in a variety
of ways. It is important to remember that not everyone is
affected in the same way or to the same degree. A critical
incident for one person, may not affect in the same way, another
colleague who was involved.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
can include fatigue, nausea, stomach upsets, rapid heart rate,
sweating, shakiness, and lack of coordination.
EMOTIONAL RESPONSES
often are feelings of guilt, anger, frustration, fear, depression,
grief, self-doubt, and a general feeling of detachment and
numbness.
COGNITIVE RESPONSES
can affect thinking, bringing about problems with short term
memory and one's ability to concentrate. It may be difficult
to make decisions, solve problems, or have an accurate sense
of time.
BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS
can include sleep disturbances, changes in eating habits,
nightmares or recurring dreams, becoming withdrawn, changes
in sexual drive, increased use of alcohol or tobacco and any
out-of-character behaviour.
It is normal for
symptoms to last as long as three to six weeks. If they are
very severe, or last beyond six weeks, professional counseling
may be necessary.
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