Distress

Question 1

What happens when distress has reached its peak?

Answer 1

The brain enters survival mode. When this occurs the amygdala takes over.

Question 2

What is the fight or flight response?

Answer 2

When someone is distressed they may either fight (increased aggression and feeling of being threatened) or flight (desire to run away or leave the situation).

Question 3

What is the freeze or fawn response?

Answer 3

When distressed, someone may either freeze (body may shut down and person cannot react at all) or fawn (may become overly attached and react positively to the source of the threat).

Question 4

How should you communicate with someone who is distressed?

Answer 4

Be empathetic, attentive, actively listen, ask open questions and do not rush assessment.

Question 5

What are some observable signs of anxiety?

Answer 5

Difficulty concentrating, fast HR, sweating, intense fears, rapid breathing, talking faster, shaking and panic attacks.

Question 6

What are some observable signs of sadness?

Answer 6

Poor memory, difficulty concentrating, self harm, hopelessness, poor sleep, self deprecation and low self esteem.

Question 7

What are some observable signs of anger?

Answer 7

Visibly tense, clenching jaw, resentful, pacing, staring, silence, raising voice and being abrasive.