Online Self-assessment http://www.psy.cuhk.edu.hk/~sfprogs/int_adversity.htm What Is Adversity? Adversity is a state of hardship often caused by critical life events. People may experience different adversity over the life course. Examples of life adversity: Chronic illness Divorce, separation, or widowhood Unemployment Extreme financial hardship, or poverty What Is Trauma? Trauma is a sudden, unexpected, and non-normative event that overwhelms people's ability to cope and at the same time causes negative physiological, psychological, and cognitive consequences. Trauma often produces a delibilitating sense of helplessness and loss of control on people who either directly or indirectly experiences it. Examples of traumatic events: Natural disasters, e.g., fire, flood, earthquake, tsunami Car accidents, plane crash, and other transportation accidents Exposure to riot, terror, or warfare Victims of severe crime, What Are Some Common Reactions to Life Adversity and Trauma? It is quite common for a person to experience strong emotional or physical reactions after life adversity or traumatic events. Sometimes symptoms of a stress reaction may last longer than days or weeks, depending on the severity and circumstances of the event and available support resources. Some common physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions to life adversity or traumatic events are listed as follows: Physical Fatigue/exhaustion Disturbed sleep Nausea Nightmares Restlessness Headaches Excessive alertness and being easily startled Cognitive (thinking) Poor concentration Poor attention and memory Visual images of the event Intrusive thoughts Disorientation Confusion Emotional Fear Numbness and detachment Avoidance Depression Guilt Over-sensitivity Anxiety and panic Withdrawal and tearfulness Behavioral Alcohol/substance abuse Self-mutilation behaviors or suicidal attempts Interpersonal difficulty Risky sexual behaviors These reactions are part of a natural process that most people go through as they readjust and come to terms with the adversity or traumatic experience. This psychological process is similar to 'digestion': A person has an overwhelming experience that the mind needs time to digest, to make sense out of the event and put it into perspective. Sources: A Guide to Psychology and Its Practice: Trauma and PTSD http://www.guidetopsychology.com/ptsd.htm The Australian Psychological Society: Managing Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Stressful Events http://www.psychology.org.au/publications/tip_sheets/12.5_6.asp What Can You Do for Yourself? There are many things you can do to cope with life adversity or trauma. Understand that the reactions are normal, especially during the short period after the event. Keep to your usual routine. Practice relaxation exercises and be kind to yourself. Do not try to block out thoughts of what has happened; gradually confronting what has happened will assist you to come to terms with the stressful experience. Seek support from your friends and family, and share your experiences and feelings with them. Take part in leisure and recreational activities. Avoid overuse of alcohol or other drugs to cope with the stressful reactions. Recognize that you cannot control everything. Recognize the need for professional help, and contact relevant services when needed. Sources: A Guide to Psychology and Its Practice: Trauma and PTSD http://www.guidetopsychology.com/ptsd.htm The Australian Psychological Society: Managing Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Stressful Events http://www.psychology.org.au/publications/tip_sheets/12.5_6.asp Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coping with A Traumatic Event http://www.bt.cdc.gov/masstrauma/copingpub.asp When Should You Seek Professional Help? Most people report feeling better a few weeks or months after the adversity or traumatic events. You may need to consider seeking professional help if the following conditions occur: The reactions do not go away or the symptoms last more than three months. You are unable to handle the intense feelings or physical sensations associated with the stressful life events. You continue to feel numb and empty and cannot perform daily routines. You continue to have disturbed sleep or nightmares. You had difficulty relating with friends, family and colleagues after the stressful life events. You are increasing the use of alcohol or drugs to help you tackle the stressful reactions of the event. Resources for help and information: Clinical and Health Psychology Centre Department of Psychology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong http://www.psy.cuhk.edu.hk/research/cpcenter.html e-Relief: Tsunami Information and on-line counseling Department of Psychology of The Chinese University of Hong Kong http://www.e-relief.net/ Social Welfare Department - Clinical Psychological Services http://www.info.gov.hk/swd/html_eng/ser_sec/clin_psy_ser/index.html Hospital Authority http://www.ha.org.hk/main.htm Hong Kong Family Welfare Society http://www.hkfws.org.hk Caritas Hong Kong http://family.caritas.org.hk/