​VANFIRE Wellness

Recognize the signs of stress

Our bodies often react to cis before we're aware of it. here are some common signs and symptons of stress reactions

Physical

• Chest pain, difficulty breathing.*
  
  

• Rapid heart rate, rapid breathing.
  
  

• increased blood pressure.
  
  

• dizziness, profuse Sweating.*
  
  

• upset stomach, diarrhea.
  
  

•  feeling uncoordinated.
  
  

• sleep disturbances, headaches.
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• tremors (lips, hands).*

this list includes more common symptoms of a stress reaction, but does not detail all cis indicators, if you are concerned about the way you are feeling, speak in confidence to a CISM team peer or professional.

Behavioural

• wanting to limit contact with others.
  
  

• substance abuse, increased smoking.
  
  

• vacant stare.
  
  

• Acting out anger (hitting/kicking the wall).
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• Change in appetite.

Thinking

• Slow thinking, confusion.
  
  

• memory problems.
  
  

• re-living the event (flasbacks).
  
  

• Distressing dreams.
  
  

• Difficulty making decisions or problem solving.
  
  

• difficulty focusing or concentrating.
  
  

• disorientation (place/time).

Emotional

• Anxiety, fear, guilt, anger.
  
  

• depression, sadness, irritability.
  
  

• Feeling lost, feeling isolated.
  
  

• worried about others, sense of shock.
  
  

• feeling numb or abandoned.
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• exaggerated startle response.