The South African Stress and Health Study estimated that 75% of adult South Africans have experienced a traumatic event, such as a physical or sexual assault, motor vehicle accident, hijacking, fire or flood disaster at some point in their lives.

Although responses to these events vary greatly and the majority of people recover on their own, some people develop longer-lasting problems, such as acute stress disorder (ASD) or depression.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ASD include:

    • Anxiety, low mood, irritability, emotional ups and downs, poor sleep, poor concentration, wanting to be alone
    • Recurrent dreams or flashbacks, which can be intrusive and unpleasant
    • Avoidance of anything that will trigger memories. This may mean avoiding people, conversations, or other situations, as they cause distress and anxiety.
    • Reckless or aggressive behaviour that may be self-destructive
    • Feeling emotionally numb and detached from others
    • Physical symptoms such as:

 

  • A thumping heart (palpitations)
  • Feeling sick (nausea)
  • Chest pain
  • Headaches
  • Tummy (abdominal) pains
  • Breathing difficulties.

Should these traumatic stress symptoms and behavioural disturbances persist for more than four to six weeks, and if these features are associated with functional impairment or significant distress to the sufferer, the diagnosis is changed to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

When to see a doctor

It is strongly recommended that if you have experienced a traumatic event, you receive trauma counselling (debriefing) within 24 to 72 hours after the event by a suitably trained mental health professional. Trauma debriefing usually involves short-term therapy (two to six sessions) and can prevent the development of PTSD. In this case, further therapy is then indicated and medication may be necessary.

The following organisations offer debriefing and trauma counselling:

    • Families South Africa (FAMSA). Visit www.famsapretoria.co.za/contact.php for your nearest counselling centre.
    • The Family Life Centre. For further details email Counselling@familylife.co.za
    • The Trauma Centre www.trauma.org.za/services/counseling in Cape Town.
    • If your company has an EAP, you are advised to make use of its services.

 

Sources
Health24.com
www.ajol.info
www.patient.co.uk

 

Revised by M Collins