Deaths are generally classified in two based on the level of pain the victim suffers and emotional pain that his loved ones are left to deal with in the aftermath. These are traumatic and non-traumatic deaths. While traumatic involves deaths from an accident, suicide, murder or some sort of homicide, the non-traumatic involves death from some natural factors such as a heart attack during sleep or from old age. Whatever the type of death, however, it is certain that some sort of pain is felt by the loved ones who have suffered the loss of someone dear and might need help in dealing with it. The first line of help should be contacting reliable crime scene cleaners.
Many families try to clean up a trauma scene by themselves, but this isn’t advisable as it exposes them to both physical and psychological dangers. It is thus best left to crime scene cleaners; professionals with no personal bond with the dead person. These professionals are also in the best position to avoid being infected by air and bloodborne pathogens that might result in Hepatitis, HIV or some other sort of serious diseases.
Critical Incident Stress Syndrome (CISS)
There is no textbook way to dealing with traumatic events, people’s reactions differ significantly. However, one psychological effect of a traumatic event on those affected is Critical Incident Stress Syndrome (CISS) which is also referred to as Acute Stress Disorder. This is a condition that triggers several reactions in a person that have suffered a traumatic event and can last for as little as 2 days to as much as 4 weeks. Some of the reactions include vomiting, depression, anxiety, fatigue, isolation, anger amongst others. For a fast track to emotional recovery, there are some things a trauma victim should know. These include:
You should be aware of the fact that anyone can suffer psychologically from a traumatic event. You having psychological reactions to a traumatic event doesn’t necessarily mean that you are psychologically inferior to others.
You should understand that your way of dealing with the loss of a loved one or some other sort of trauma might be quite different from how other relatives will handle the same situation. It doesn’t mean you are doing anything wrong though; you just have to work through it.
You should have a good grasp of the symptoms of CISS as it will alleviate your fears when it begins to manifest in you.
Knowing full well that these symptoms will not last forever is also vital in keeping your hopes up.
Don’t clamp down on your feelings, express them as you deem fit and take proper care of yourself.
This is not the time to indulge in excessive drinking of alcohol. Eat and rest properly as well, and you’ll find yourself making the necessary improvement in no time.
Don’t just lean on your strength. Get support from friends and family as you pass through this ordeal. Seek the help of a professional counselor if need be.
