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The stress may be affecting you more than you think. Post traumatic stress can be subtle. Take a minute and check how you are doing.

Stress has three stages: (1) the alarm or shock reaction, (2) the resistance or numbing reaction, and (3) the exhaustion state. These stages are not always in neat, organized form. Our reactions to stress can be strong or mild. The stages can take place in a few days or may take longer. Each of us will react differently, depending upon how our mind and body experiences and deals with information.

Of particular importance is the resistance or numbing stage. During times of severe, unusual, and prolonged stress, our mind cannot make sense of what has happened, and so it does not want any more information. When our body sensations are too intense or too numerous, the brain sends a message to close the gate; and the messages from the body to the brain are blocked. Lacking a power surge device, we simply shut-down.

Although shutting down is the result of overload. There are other contributing factors. Many times we do not want to deal with something so frightening. The current events may remind us of other things that happened in our past, even though they are seemingly unrelated. We feel helpless and scared. Most of all, we do not know what to do or what will happen next.

This creates a complex situation. As organisms, we need balance and homeostasis to survive. That means we need to relieve the symptoms of stress over load. However, if we go for an extended period of time without the required neural-chemical conditions, our mental and physical health is jeopardized.

Although logic suggests the numbing stage could provide time to figure out what has just happened and what to do about it, the down time means we have numbed all of our senses. We do not see as clearly. We do not hear as well. Our reflexes are slower and less accurate. The body’s signals for food and water go unnoticed. We forget to take care of ourselfwhen we do not feel those signals.

The surprise is that often we think we are doing great and that the shocking event did not affect us. Well, the only thing is that we suddenly realize we can’t understand the salesperson when he says our bill is $4.27. We just stare at him. Maybe we forget what we were thinking about one minute and then realize we weren’t thinking of anything after all. If we pay attention, we find clues that we are not, as on the mark, as we thought.

HOW ARE YOU?

Please take a minute now and check how you are doing. Taking care of yourself is important, especially during stressful times. Sometimes when we have stress, we forget to remember about ourself. This minute is just for you.

Inhale and exhale very slowly… One more time. Breathe slowly. Let your exhale be longer than your inhaling. Sometimes when we are stressed and worried, we forget how important it is to exhale…

Notice how your body feels. Is your head clear or swarming? You may have noticed some weariness today, or a numbness. Are you less able to sit still? Do you feel as if you are sitting on the edge of your chair, ready to leave?

You may be wanting to have time alone, or do not want to leave someone’s side. Maybe you feel fine and then discover that you forgot your pin number at the bank. Your head may seem crowded and, yet, you can’t find your thoughts. Maybe everything seems urgent; maybe nothing seems very important at all. Tears may surprise you in the middle of a song or quiet moment.