The Road to Trauma Recovery

Dealing with a trauma or death can be excruciating for any family, but having to deal with trauma clean up can be unbearable and even hazardous -- both physically and psychologically. The vast majority of families that attempt trauma scene cleanup themselves are unaware that crime scene cleanup services exist or that most Homeowners Insurance will pay for the cleanup. Without the services of trained crime scene clean up technicians using the correct precautions, trauma survivors face many risks. Physically, the dangers include blood and air borne pathogens such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Influenza, tuberculosis, and meningitis.

Psychological risks include Critical Incident Stress Syndrome (CISS) or Acute Stress Disorder. CISS is a pattern of psychological and/or physiological reactions to a stressful incident or traumatic event including nausea, vomiting, anger, depression, exhaustion, restlessness, feeling a loss of control, isolation, anxiety and stress. There is no standard pattern of reaction for trauma survivors nor is there a standard time frame for symptoms to last. However, there are a number of things a trauma survivor can do after a death or traumatic event to help restore an emotional state of well-being.

First, and most important, would be to educate yourself about Critical Incident Stress Syndrome. CISS is an equal opportunity offender; symptoms can occur in all types of people from all different walks of life and is not a sign of weakness.No two people react the same way to a traumatic incident. There are a myriad of possible feelings you may have and those feelings are normal.Understanding the symptoms of CISS that you may be having will make the situation less frightening to you.You should also know that CISS symptoms do not last forever, that you will feel "normal" again.Take extra care of yourself. You can significantly help the process of trauma recovery by giving yourself the time and space to cope with any emotions or symptoms.Be sure to get enough rest at night.Eat a balanced diet and avoid non-prescription drugs and excessive alcohol.Find trauma recovery support by talking with friends and family or seek the help of a professional counselor or support group.

Remember, there are no "right" or "wrong" ways to cope with the stress brought on by a traumatic event. Crime victims, suicide survivors, and people who discover an unattended death sometimes need years to heal completely. The important thing is to take the steps to recovery and to take good care of yourself. For more information about Critical Incident Stress Syndrome, there is a good article here on Wikipedia.

Jerry Turner is the founder and president of Advanced Bio Treatment, a biohazard response company. As a former police officer and insurance agency owner, Jerry saw the need for caring, competent and dedicated service to trauma victims. Disgusted with the crooks and the amateurs working scene cleanup, Jerry started Advanced Bio-Treatment with a focus on training, professionalism, and honest work. ABT understands that its services are needed as a result of some traumatic event. Whether it is a crime scene cleanup, suicide cleanup, or some other tragic event, ABT understands. As a result, all of the employees of ABT are chosen for their attention to detail, empathy, and desire to help others.

Advanced Bio Treatment is proud to offer Support Resources for Trauma Survivors on our Resources page.

Original article