What can I do to help myself ?

• Rest if fatigued.
• Have contact with family and friends.
• Try not to fight recurring thoughts, dreams and flashbacks.
• Accept that you are reacting normally.
• Arrange your day to include time alone, or in the company of someone that can relate to you.
• Maintain your usual schedule/routine as much as possible.
• Eat balanced meals regularly. Eating a little often may help.
• Do some physical exercise particularly in the first few days ( check with your GP first if you have difficulty exercising ).
• Express your feelings as they arise.
• Talk to people who care about you.
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine and other drugs.
• Talk to a CISM team member in your workplace.
• Call our 24 hour number and talk to a CISM team member if your feelings are intense or are prolonged. They might suggest you speak with one of the team psychologists.

When to seek professional help ?

• If you feel you cannot handle the intense feelings or physical sensations.
• If after a period of time you continue to feel numb and empty and are concerned about these feelings.
• If you continue to have nightmares or poor sleep.
• If you have no person or group with whom to share your emotions and feel the need to do so.
• If your relationships seems to be suffering because of any of these symptoms.
• If you smoke, drink or take drugs to excess since the event.
• If your work performance suffers.
• If you are suffering from "burn-out".