Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) For The Workplace   A Critical incident is an event that is extraordinary and may produce significant reactions in the person affected by the trauma. Ideally, CISM should be used 24-48 hours after a critical incident and is provided by trained clinicians, either individually or in groups. Some examples of traumatizing events in the workplace are: bank robbery, death of a co-worker, severe workplace injury, criminal incident, etc. Three stages of post-trauma recovery: 1. IMPACT: Could last from several hours to days. May be experienced immediately or may be delayed days, weeks or months. Feelings include shock, numbness, confusion, disorientation, fear, helplessness, and/or anger. Common symptoms include sleep and appetite change, fatigue, and phobic avoidance of reminders of the incident. Most of these reactions begin as normal defense mechanisms, but may become destructive when ignored, denied, or misinterpreted as "craziness". 2. RECOIL: Coping with the powerful and distressing emotions can present in two ways. Intense feelings of fear, vulnerability, rage and/or guilt. The affected person may feel that he/she may never gain control of these emotions. Denial of the feelings related to the incident. This response may result in a delayed reaction of feelings long after the incident occurred. 3. REORGANIZATION: The calmer end stage. Painful feelings are increasingly under control and daily energy increases. The incident is never forgotten, but it no longer interferes with the victim's daily life. It has been documented that people who understand the effects of Critical Incident Stress and have a process by which to discuss the events and their reactions often speed up their recovery process, remain more productive on the job, and have less disruption in their personal lives. Call National EAP 1-800-624-2593 for Critical Incident Stress Management. National EAP Clinicians are experienced and trained to conduct individual and on-site CISM services. Tips For Adjusting to A Stressful Event Acceptance Recognize your own reactions and acknowledge that you have been through a highly stressful experience. Beware of denial or lack of acceptance of your feelings: this may delay the recovery process. Support Seek out other people's emotional support by talking about your feelings with loved ones and close friends who will be sympathetic to what you are going through, or sharing with others who have had similar experiences. Going Over the Events Allow the memories of the event to come to your mind, as there is a critical need to think about it, and to talk about it. Facing the reality, rather than avoiding reminders of it, helps you to come to terms with what has happened. Expressing Your Feelings Express your feelings rather than bottling them up. Talking about experiences and feelings are natural healing methods for these types of events. Taking Care of Yourself During periods of stress, people are more prone to accidents and physical illness. It's important that you look after yourself during these periods by driving more carefully, getting enough sleep, maintaining a good diet, etc. The Positive Effects After traumatic experiences, we frequently become wiser and emotionally stronger, and better able to cope with the everyday stresses of life. Traumatic events can be turning points where we re-evaluate the meaning and value of life, and appreciate the little things.