When the unimaginable happens—a horrific call, a violent incident, the sudden loss of a partner—your world can change in an instant. For first responders, military members, and emergency leaders, these moments aren’t abstract. They’re lived experiences.
Dr. Shauna “Doc” Springer reminds us of a critical truth: the intense, sometimes frightening reactions you feel in the aftermath of extreme events are not signs of weakness—they are your body and brain’s natural, predictable responses to overwhelming stress.
When the Mind and Body React
In the days and weeks following trauma, you might experience:
Emotional numbing or feeling detached
Panic, agitation, or a constant “on edge” state
Intrusive or obsessive thoughts about what happened
Survivor guilt
Insomnia or restless sleep
These responses are the nervous system’s way of protecting you in the immediate aftermath. They are rooted in biology—not in personal failure.
Why Everyone Responds Differently
No two brains or bodies respond the same way to trauma. One person may appear calm but feel numb inside. Another may feel their heart racing and hands shaking for days. These differences aren’t about toughness or capability—they’re about individual wiring, prior experiences, and the sheer intensity of the event.
Research shows that acute stress reactions—those first intense symptoms—often fade as the brain and body begin to process the event (Bryant, 2011). For most, the mind naturally begins to reset, especially when supported by intentional recovery practices.
The Basics of Recovery
Doc Springer emphasizes that the fastest path toward healing starts with the basics:
Rest – Prioritize sleep, even if you need to use structured routines or brief naps to recover.
Good Nutrition – Fuel your brain and body with whole foods and hydration to stabilize mood and energy.
Physical Activity – Gentle movement, walks, or light workouts can help discharge stress hormones.
Connection – Talk to trusted peers or friends who can listen without judgment.
One essential reminder: Don’t isolate yourself. Trauma can make you want to retreat, but connection is one of the strongest predictors of recovery and resilience (Bonanno, 2004).
When to Seek Professional Help
If symptoms last beyond a month, intensify, or disrupt your work and relationships, it’s time to get professional support. Untreated trauma can compound, increasing risk for PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders. Seeking help is not giving up—it’s equipping yourself with tools to heal and get back to full capacity.
The Bottom Line
The reactions you have after a critical incident are not a sign you’re broken. They are signs you’ve endured something extraordinary—and your brain and body are responding accordingly. With rest, good fuel, connection, and the right help, recovery is not just possible—it’s probable.
Call to Action
This week:
Choose one recovery basic to focus on—better sleep, cleaner fuel, more movement, or deeper connection.
Reach out to one trusted peer to share a moment of real conversation.
Remind yourself daily: “My reactions are human. I am healing.”
Works Cited
Bonanno, George A. “Loss, trauma, and human resilience.” American Psychologist, vol. 59, no. 1, 2004, pp. 20–28.
Bryant, Richard A. “Acute stress disorder as a predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, vol. 72, no. 2, 2011, pp. 233–239.