DON'T

DO

Think you are “crazy” –- stress reactions to abnormal situations are not the same as “being crazy”.

Withdraw from family, friends, and co-workers.

Automatically stay away from work.

Drink alcohol excessively.

Use legal or illegal substances to numb post-trauma consequences.

Look for easy answers to explain the reasons for the incident.

Have unrealistic expectations for recovery.

Expect the incident to bother you – but also expect that recovery will occur more easily with these guidelines and critical incident debriefing.

Maintain a good diet and exercise.  Vigorous exercise within the first 24 hours may help reduce stress-related chemicals in your blood stream, but use caution: you are already taxed physically and emotionally.

Take time for leisure activities.

Remind yourself that post-trauma consequences are normal.

Learn as much as possible about critical incident stress.

Spend time with family, friends, and co-workers.

Talk to others who are good listeners and others who were involved, but be careful not to “judge” others or yourself.

Get extra help, if necessary.