Scary road events can make you upset.
Some common reactions you might experience:
- Feeling scared, sad, angry, overwhelmed, or thankful.
- Feeling shaky, sweaty, sick in the stomach, having faster breathing or headaches.
- Feeling tired or having trouble sleeping.
- Wanting to stay away from things that remind you of what happened.
- You might find it hard to concentrate or think.
- You keep expecting the worst or being too hard on yourself.
- Unwanted memories pop up, or you keep thinking about what happened over and over.
When you’re upset, worried or not coping:
- Take a moment to notice how you’re feeling.
- Stick to your routine.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Do something that calms you.
- Yarn with trusted friends, family, or Elders.
- Express emotions, or yarn with a professional.
Things to do when you are feeling overwhelmed:
- Walking on country, yarning with Elders about past times, and listening to their stories.
- Be active with family or friends, walk, or join in on dancing or sporting activities.
- Traditional artwork, tool making, song, dance, painting, and storytelling
When to seek help:
- Your reactions last longer than 4 weeks.
- Your daily routine feels too hard.
- You feel emotionally numb or disconnected from others.
- You avoid reminders of the trauma a lot.
- You have thoughts of hurting yourself or increased your alcohol or drug use.
