Which is a common emotional response to a traumatic event?

• A. Increased Appetite
• B. Nausea, Lightheadedness, Dizziness
• C. Shock, Numbness, Feeling Overwhelmed, Depression, Feeling Lost, Fear of Harm to Self or Loved Ones, Feeling Nothing, Feeling Abandoned, Uncertainty of Feelings, Volatile Emotions
• D. Tachycardia, Tremors

Answer: (C)

Traumatic events often trigger emotional reactions as the mind processes what happened. Common responses include shock and numbness, feeling overwhelmed, sadness or depression, a sense of being lost, fear for safety of self or loved ones, and uncertainty or volatility in emotions. These reflect the emotional impact of trauma and are a typical part of adapting in the immediate aftermath. The other options describe bodily sensations rather than emotions—like appetite changes, nausea or dizziness, or rapid heart rate and tremors—so they don’t capture the emotional response trauma commonly elicits. Recognizing these emotional responses as normal helps guide supportive coping and when to seek help.