Traumatic stress reactions –
what to look for
Examples of Traumatic Stress Symptoms

- New fears related to the medical event

- New somatic complaints (bellyaches, headaches) not explained by medical condition

- Dissociation: Feeling in a daze or "spacey"

New fears: "Ever since my son was in the hospital, he is terrified to be left alone -- he never used to be like that."

Dissociation: "It still feels unreal -- like I was dreaming." OR "I just feel spacey and not in touch with the world around me."