FAQs or frequently asked questions
Health questions
Safety and security questions
Worried about friends and family questions
General questions
Health questions
- I thought I was OK but I am having scary reactions to lots of things—is there something wrong with me?
- I'm crying all the time—is that normal?
- I'm feeling really tired and just can't get anything done—is that OK?
- My body is having strange reactions like—feeling sick, trembling and my heart feels like it's racing.
- I'm sleeping all the time but still feel tired when I wake up.
- I feel like I haven't slept at all—I have nightmares and restless sleep every night. How long will this go on for?
- I don't feel like doing anything—I can't be bothered to eat sometimes. What can I do?
- I'm having a lot more arguments with my friends—what's happening to me?
- Weird thoughts are going through my mind and I can't stop them.
- I'm not sure how I feel—it's like I'm numb.
- When am I going to get back to normal?
- Am I going crazy?
Answers
What you are feeling right now are understandable reactions to an abnormal situation. You are not going crazy.
Everyone will respond to tragedy in a very different and very personal way.
What you are feeling right now will reduce over time as long as you talk about your experiences with someone and take good care of yourself. Give yourself time to heal. Talking with family and friends and people you are comfortable with who will really listen to you are just as valuable as professional help.
Go to What's happening to me? for a list of some of the feelings you may be having and please check out Ways to feel better.
If however these feelings and experiences continue at the same level or even worsen with time then please consider seeking professional assistance. Have a look at When to get help.
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Safety and security questions
- I feel scared when I'm out in public now—I keep thinking something terrible is going to happen to me. Is that normal?
- I'm worried because the whole world doesn't seem safe any more.
- I hear a car backfire or party fireworks and I break out in a cold sweat—is that normal?
Answers
These are all understandable reactions. Our safety and security has been threatened and it will take time to feel secure again.
If this feeling continues it is important to talk with someone about it. Friends and family are important and there is no shame in calling the support line and speaking with someone anonymously if you wish.
Go to Where to get help for more details.
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Worried about friends and family questions
- I'm really worried about my daughter—she has really changed. I can't understand why she's behaving differently.
- My husband won't talk with anyone about what happened. I'm really worried about him—he's very quiet.
Answers
It is hard to watch our loved ones hurting. They are reacting in their own personal way to this tragedy.
It is important for you to be as supportive as you can and look after yourself at the same time.
Your loved ones are reacting in an understandable way but it's also important to try and help them get through it. If you encourage them to talk about their thoughts and feelings and help them look after themselves the issues may resolve more readily.
Go to Looking after others for more details.
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General questions
- I feel guilty because I don't feel I've done enough to help others who were more affected than me.
Answers
This is an understandable reaction. By talking these feelings through with people you are comfortable with this feeling will lessen.
If this feeling of guilt continues at the same level or even worsens with time then please consider getting professional assistance - go to When to get help.
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