Written by Dersim DAĞDEVİREN
War, natural disasters, sexual assault, or threatening changes in relationships can cause acute stress reactions.
Acute stress reactions can occur following dangerous and serious physical or psychological events. Symptoms that appear within minutes or hours of the event and can almost completely disappear within a few days are called post-traumatic stress disorder if they last longer than four weeks.
Triggering events may include severe accidents, war, natural disasters, sexual assault, or threatening changes in relationships. The symptoms observed in affected individuals can be very different and change frequently. Affected individuals often report feelings of confusion and dizziness. Memory gaps, irritability, fear, helplessness, or uncontrollable and unusual grief reactions may occur. Various accompanying physical stress reactions are also frequently observed, such as sweating, heart palpitations, dizziness, dry mouth, or fear of losing control.
In terms of treatment, short-term crisis intervention includes psychotherapeutic measures that can ideally be applied at the scene, for example in a traffic accident or in the emergency room. Through a supportive conversation, the affected person is helped to achieve emotional relief. Practical tips on how to cope with the situation in the coming hours and days are also provided. Taking sedative medication for a short period may be beneficial.
Affected individuals may relive events through nightmares or intense, intrusive memories (flashbacks). Some begin to avoid situations or activities they associate with the event. Wishing everyone strength and good health.
