2025 Q1 Peer2Peer / CIRP UPDATE

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PEER2PEER / CIRP UPDATE

You may have experienced what many would consider a traumatic event or a critical incident—any situation that triggers unusually strong emotional reactions, potentially interfering with your ability to function, either immediately or later.

Even though the event may be over, you might be experiencing—or could experience later—strong emotional or physical reactions. This is completely normal. Emotional aftershocks can appear:

  • Immediately after the event
  • A few hours or days later
  • Weeks or even months later

With understanding and support from a peer or loved ones, these stress reactions usually pass more quickly. However, sometimes the event is so overwhelming that professional assistance is necessary. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather an indication that the event was powerful enough to require additional support.

COMMON SIGNS OF A STRESS REACTION

Physical

  • Chills, thirst, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headaches, muscle tremors
  • Rapid heart rate, chest pain, difficulty breathing, excessive sweating
  • Teeth grinding, visual difficulties, fainting, vomiting
    If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical evaluation.

Cognitive

  • Confusion, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, memory problems
  • Hyper-vigilance, intrusive thoughts, trouble identifying people or objects
  • Poor decision-making, disorientation, heightened/lowered awareness

Emotional

  • Fear, guilt, grief, anxiety, depression, panic
  • Irritability, intense anger, emotional numbness or outbursts
  • Feeling overwhelmed or a loss of emotional control

Behavioral

  • Withdrawal, inability to rest, pacing, change in social activity
  • Loss or increase in appetite, hyper-alertness, change in communication
  • Increased alcohol or substance use

Spiritual

  • Anger at God, questioning faith, withdrawal from religious practices
  • Loss of meaning or purpose, feelings of isolation

SELF-CARE STRATEGIES

  • In the first 24-48 hours, alternate physical activity with relaxation to ease physical symptoms.
  • Keep a structured schedule—stay busy.
  • Talk it out—expressing your feelings is healing.
  • Avoid numbing emotions with alcohol or drugs.
  • Spend time with others—don’t isolate yourself.
  • Maintain a normal routine as much as possible.
  • Give yourself permission to feel and share your emotions.
  • Write in a journal—it can help process emotions.
  • Eat well and stay hydrated, even if you don’t feel like it.
  • Rest and sleep—your body needs recovery time.
  • Make small decisions to regain a sense of control.
  • Understand that recurring thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks are normal—they will decrease over time.

INFORMATION FOR FAMILY MEMBERS & FRIENDS

  • Listen carefully without giving unsolicited advice.
  • Spend time with them—your presence matters.
  • Offer help with daily tasks (cooking, cleaning, child care).
  • Reassure them that they are safe.
  • Give them private time when needed.
  • Don’t take their emotions personally.
  • Avoid dismissive phrases like:
    • “You’re lucky it wasn’t worse.”
    • “You should be over this by now.”
    • “Everything will be okay.”
    • “I know how you feel.”
  • Create a safe space for them to share, but don’t force them to talk.
  • Seek help for yourself if you feel overwhelmed. CIRP is also here for family members and loved ones.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for support. You are not alone. The CIRP Peer2Peer program is here to help.