Counseling Services Referral List

Recurring thoughts, dreams or flashbacks are normal—don’t try to fight them—they will decrease over time and become less painful. 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. Re-establish a normal schedule as soon as possible. Express your feelings as they arise. Talk to people who love you. Find a good counselor if the feelings become prolonged or too intense. Within the first 24-48 hours, periods of strenuous physical exercise, alternated with relaxations will alleviate some of the physical reactions. Structure your time keeping busy within reasons. You are normal and having normal reactions so don’t label yourself “crazy”. Talk to people. Talking is the most healing medicine. Be aware of numbing the pain with overuse of any drugs or alcohol. Help your co-workers as much as possible by sharing feelings and checking how they themselves are doing. Give yourself permission to feel rotten and share your feelings with others. Oftentimes it just takes one person to open up in front of others before they can share many similar feelings. Take a chance. Consider keeping a journal. Write your way through those sleepless hours. Do things that feel good to you. Realize those around you are under stress. Don’t make any big life changes or purchases. Do make as many daily decisions as possible that will give you a feeling of control over your own life.

FOR FAMILY MEMBERS & FRIENDS

Listen carefully. Spend time with the traumatized person. Offer your assistance and a listening ear even if they have not asked for your help. Reassure them they are safe. Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, caring for the family, or preparing a meal. Give them some private time. Don’t take their anger or other feelings personally. Don’t tell them that they are “lucky it wasn’t a lot worse” … these statements do not console traumatized people. Instead, tell them you are sorry such an event has occurred and you understand and want to assist them.