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Employee Assistance Program → Trauma

Trauma

Trauma in our lives and in our community can cause a strong emotional reaction in many of us. For some people, this emotional response may be severe. While an individual's reactions may vary, the range of responses is well known. There are many common reactions to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Difficulty focusing or concentrating
  • Recurring thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks to the traumatic event or other traumatic events in your life
  • Sleeplessness or fatigue
  • Change in appetite; upset stomach
  • Crying
  • Irritability
  • Anger
  • Grief
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Quick temper
  • Headache or other symptoms in the body
  • Alcohol or other substance use

If you are experiencing any of these reactions, take care of yourself by considering some of the following:

  • Take several slow, deep breaths to alleviate the feelings of anxiety
  • Talk about what is happening
  • Talk about your feelings with friends and loved ones
  • Create a daily routine to help you feel in control
  • Eat balanced meals, even if you're not hungry
  • Take time to let your body relax and recover
  • Cry when you need to
  • Let anger out by beating on a pillow or doing a safe, exhausting physical activity
  • Exercise
  • Avoid the use of alcohol and other substances, and limit caffeine intake
  • Seek help by calling the EAP

If you want further information on how to cope with your emotions or during a tragedy, please visit the following links:

The MCPS Employee Assistance Program offers no-cost and confidential counseling (up to eight sessions) for all MCPS employees and their adult household family members. If you need to talk, have questions, or want information, you may call our office at 240-740-6500. Learn more about EAP Counseling.