
WITH YOU
we are
In Crisis
ACUTE STRESS
(Acute Stress, Cedars)

COMMON
RESPONSES
Acute Stress is:
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experienced during and after a critical or traumatic incident happens to you or the people around you
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natural to feel distressed
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Feeling shocked, unreal, angry, or distressed
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Feeling stressed or anxious
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Feeling edgy or numb
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Worsened concentration
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Disturbed sleep or dreaming about the incident
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Losing interest in activities, routines, and experiences you used to enjoy
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Having distressing memories or flashbacks about the incident
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Worrying about friends and family who are impacted
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Avoiding thoughts, memories, or activities that remind you of the incident

COPING WITH ACUTE STRESS
DOs
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Get Adequate rest and give yourself time to process your emotions and thoughts
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Maintain a healthy diet
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Take breaks from things related to the incident
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Focus on something practical to manage the situation better
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Use relaxation methods
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Spend time with others but allow yourself some priavte time as well
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Maintain your routiness and keep your life normal as far as possible
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Talk to people for support and express your emotions and needs

COPING WITH ACUTE STRESS
DON'Ts
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Use alcohol or drugs to cope
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Disrupt your normal eating patterns
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Overwhelm yourself with different tasks or information (e.g. from social media or the news)
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Do risky things
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Withdraw from pleasant activities
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Extreme withdrawal from social contacts
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Stop all your plans and work
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Engage in violent behaviours or conflict
