Serious stress reaction
Tuesday 22nd March, 2011
I had a relaxing massage in the afternoon at work today, but have felt like a zombie ever since… I am still very tired after our mission in the forest.
During our broadcasting mission, I read a book about soldiers at war, which inspired me to produce a 5mins programme about serious stress reactions that require treatment. I was so fascinated by my research I have to share it here.
Obviously, it’s not only soldiers – all people can experience stress symptoms caused by various situations in life.
Serious stress reactions:
The environment of a war will put a lot of pressure onto a person. There’s an old saying that goes: “How you react in a pressured situation during peace, that’s how you’ll probably react at war.”
It’s possible for a soldier to feel stress symptoms before, during and after a battle. When an immediate danger is over, the symptoms usually pass. However if the reaction has been strong – some serious stress symptoms remain, for example:
Worry and restlessness
Mood swings
Sleeping problems
Emotional – easily cries
Little appetite
Shakings and trembling
It’s also possible to react more inwards with symptoms, such as:
Empty, staring gaze
Nothing matters
Silence and isolation
It’s important to remember that a mentally drained person can’t just get on with it, and cheer up. All his energy is going towards keeping the internal worry under control.
To help someone who is emotionally drained – seek contact with him. Don’t treat him like a sick person, but show him that you understand that he is psychologically exhausted and that he needs care and certain treatment.
Make him understand that what he is going through is absolutely normal, and that it won’t impact his duties and responsibilities in the future. However, at the moment, he needs to rest.
Avoid talking yourself and don’t try to give any “good advice”. Definitely don’t try to minimize or deny the problem. Instead, listen and be compassionate. A person with stress symptoms needs support.
Give him a relaxing place to rest if it’s possible, bring him warm food and give him a temporary less straining role. Sleep is one of the best medicines.
Although a mentally drained person require certain treatment, it’s important that he carries on feeling NEEDED.
Support the person so that he doesn’t feel useless or inadequate. Make him believe he is still a valuable asset to the team. Only if the person is dangerous to himself or the team, he will need qualified treatment.
Don’t forget; his condition is temporary.
