Symptoms to Watch for with Trauma Victims

Physical reactions

• Problems eating/upset stomach
• Trouble sleeping
• Exhaustion
• Increased heart rate/breathing
• Headache
• Cold sweats
• Failure to engage in exercise, diet, safe sex, regular health care
• Excessive smoking, drinking, drugs, food
• Worsening of current medical problems

Emotional reactions

• Feeling nervous, helpless, fearful, sad
• Feeling shock, numb, unable to experience love or joy
• A voiding people, places, and other things related to the event
• Loss of intimacy or feeling detached
• Irritability
• Withdrawal, feeling rejected or abandoned
• Distrust of others
• Self-blame