“His death was very sudden. I screamed and fell to my knee., It was like a moment from a tv show but it was happening to me”. – Family member

Traumatized people may behave in abnormal ways. In addition to the phenomena of ‘fight’ or ‘flight’, a third very common response is to freeze. They may become rooted in place, unable to speak or move. Family members may also exhibit the following behaviours:

 Develop exaggerated startle response (e.g., jumping when you casually enter the room).

 Extreme problems with sleep.

 Significant avoidance type behaviours (e.g., refusing to enter the patient’s room).

 Particularly self-destructive behaviour.

 Exceedingly aggressive behaviour (e.g., making threats).