Trauma - how our body reacts

Events that endanger life or property can provoke distress in some people. Examples of such events include car accidents, bushfires, floods, sudden illness or traumatic death in the family.

Typical reactions
Everyone is different, but there are some common reactions most people experience when faced with an unexpected crisis. The typical response includes:

• Shock – difficulty believing in what has happened, feeling numb and confused.
• Continuing alarm – the person feels like the danger is still there or the event is continuing.
• Distress reaction – once the reality of the situation has sunk in, the state of high alert changes into an emotional reaction.
• Let-down – after the crisis is over, exhaustion may become obvious. Emotional reactions to the event are felt during the let-down phase.

• Pain, tiredness and emotions are ignored
• Ability to focus on details of the event
• Feeling ready, or even impatient, to deal with the event
• No thoughts beyond dealing with the experience
• The ability to concentrate for as long as necessary.

• Plenty of physical energy
• The ability to work hard for as long as necessary
• Reduced awareness of physical needs – fatigue, hunger or pain go unnoticed.

• Being exhausted and tired, but not wanting to stop
• Feeling impatient, agitated and anxious
• Being unable to think clearly, plan or make decisions
• Taking on more and more responsibility for managing the crisis
• Becoming upset with other people’s involvement
• Feeling preoccupied about details of the crisis and forgetting the bigger picture
• Getting emotional, angry or blaming people for the crisis
• Getting side-tracked by ‘what if’ thoughts
• Taking risks or performing actions without first thinking it through
• Cutting corners, ignoring safety procedures.

• Have regular rest breaks before you are exhausted.
• Make time to eat and drink regularly.
• Avoid taking unnecessary risks. You won’t be able to manage the situation if you get hurt.
• Put aside feelings and fears. Concentrate on putting your energies into practical efforts.
• Take time out for yourself or confide in one other person if you feel emotional.
• Manage feelings of hopelessness by focusing on practical tasks that you can achieve.
• Don’t think further ahead than is necessary. Keep focused on what is needed next.

• Your doctor
• Your local community health service
• Counsellor
• Psychologist
• Lifeline Tel. 13 11 14
• Nurse-on-Call Tel. 1300 60 60 24
• Victorian Bushfire Support - for multilingual information on protecting your mental health during bushfire season

• Everyone is different, but people tend to experience similar reactions when faced with an unexpected crisis. These include shock, alarm, distress reaction and let-down.
• The state of stress is exhausting and can’t be maintained for too long without a drop in physical and mental efficiency.
• Don’t let yourself or others go into stress overload by ignoring the need for rest, nourishment and support.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:


(Logo links to further information)