Coping with Unexpected Events
It is NORMAL to have wide- ranging feelings and symptoms of stress in response to unexpected events or circumstances.
It doesn’t ma er the cause — it could be weather -related or resul ng from an act of Nature, it could be from a large business change such as a layo or downsizing, or it could be from an unexpected death, trauma, or disaster.
Each person responds di erently to the stress of these unforeseen events. Some people have a wide range of feelings and reac ons. It is important to allow yourself (and others) permission to acknowledge the feelings and responses to unexpected circumstances or events.
Remember the EAP is available for support and consulta on to you and your family members. Please feel free to contact us at (808) 597-8222.
Remember the following:
-
You are having a normal & expectable human response to an out of the ordinary & unexpected situa on or event.
-
You are not alone and that others are going through a process similar to yours.
-
The need to acknowledge loss and change is a universal step for integra ng your experience and being able to mobilize your energies and move forward.
-
Focus on your strengths and enhance your exis ng healthy coping skills.
-
Ask for support and help from your family members, friends, colleagues, church or other community resources – like the EAP.
-
Maintain or re-establish the regular Work/Life rou nes that support your well being and e ec veness.
-
Rede ne your priori es and focus your energy and resources on those priori es.
-
Set small goals that are realis c to the unexpected circumstance or a ermath and begin to take steps to accomplish them. Hope for preferred outcomes rather than having rigid expecta ons.
-
Minimize the use of ca eine and alcohol, as both of these substances tend to increase your overall level of stress.
-
Acknowledge sadness or con ic ng feelings and realize that hurt invariably leads to healing; losses becomes sources of strength; and fear, when properly a ended, leads to freedom and increased e ec veness in the face of adversity and loss.
-
If the intensity of your feelings and experience does not begin to fade with a week or two, contact your EAP or a behavioral healthcare professional for consulta on.