Performing CPR is much more than a set of mechanical steps. It’s an intense, often emotional, experience that can profoundly impact your mental and emotional well-being. When you find yourself in a situation where someone’s life is in your hands, the psychological toll can be significant, whether or not you manage to save a life.
Imagine this scenario: You’re going about your day, working or enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the park. Suddenly, someone nearby collapses. People around you freeze, unsure of what to do. Without thinking, you step forward, push through the panic, and begin CPR. At that moment, your training kicks in, but so does a flood of adrenaline, fear, and determination. You’re performing CPR, but your mind is racing with thoughts and emotions.
This blog will explore the psychological impact of performing CPR, why these effects occur, and how you can manage them. It’s a journey that could help you understand yourself better and prepare you to handle such situations with more resilience.
Your Body’s Immediate Response
When an emergency strikes, your body doesn’t wait for your mind to catch up. The moment you recognize a critical situation, like someone collapsing and needing CPR, your body jumps into action with a cascade of physiological responses known as the ‘fight or flight’ response. This reaction, deeply ingrained in our biology, prepares you to face danger head-on or flee to safety. In a CPR emergency, it makes you more focused and act faster.
- Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Spike: Your heart begins to beat faster and harder, pumping more blood to your muscles and vital organs. This sudden surge can help you focus on the task at hand, but it can also make you feel like your heart is pounding out of your chest.
- Trembling Hands and Sweaty Palms: The adrenaline rushing through your veins can cause your hands to shake and sweat. While this is a natural response, it can make the delicate task of performing CPR feel even more challenging.
- Tunnel Vision and Auditory Exclusion: You might find your focus narrowing to a single point: the person in front of you. This intense concentration is beneficial, helping you ignore distractions and zero in on performing CPR correctly. However, it also means you might miss other important details or fail to notice the help arriving.
Once the emergency is over, the body’s adrenaline levels drop, and you might experience what’s known as an adrenaline crash. This can leave you feeling exhausted, shaky, or even numb. Your mind and body are processing what just happened, and this is just the beginning of the psychological journey.
Guilt, Relief, and Everything in Between
Once the immediate crisis passes, the emotional aftermath sets in with a whirlwind of emotions, often conflicting and confusing. Even if you performed CPR flawlessly, you might still feel a range of powerful emotions:
- Guilt: You might find yourself replaying the event over and over in your mind, wondering if you could have done something differently. Did you push hard enough? Were your compressions deep enough? Did you check for breathing correctly? These thoughts can haunt you, even if the outcome is positive. It’s essential to recognize that these feelings are a natural part of the human experience and a sign of empathy and care for others.
- Relief Coupled with Anxiety: If the person you assisted survives, there’s an initial rush of relief – you helped save a life! But soon after, anxiety might creep in. You may worry about their recovery, wonder if there were any lasting effects from the incident, or feel nervous about facing a similar situation in the future.
- Fear and Anticipation: Performing CPR can be terrifying, especially if it’s your first time or if the situation involves a loved one. The fear doesn’t always subside when the crisis ends. You might find yourself jumpy or hyper-vigilant, constantly on the lookout for potential emergencies. This state of heightened alertness can be exhausting and impact your daily life.
PTSD and Flashbacks
For some people, the psychological effects of performing CPR don’t fade with time. Instead, they might develop more persistent symptoms indicative of a deeper psychological impact, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): While not everyone who performs CPR will develop PTSD, those who do might experience symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. This is more likely if the CPR was performed on someone they knew or if the person did not survive. Still, it’s treatable, so recognizing the symptoms and seeking help can make a significant difference.
- Flashbacks and Intrusive Thoughts: Even if you don’t develop PTSD, you might find yourself revisiting the scene in your mind, often at unexpected times. Something as simple as a sound, a smell, or a word can trigger a memory, bringing you back to that moment of crisis. These flashbacks can be disorienting and distressing, especially if they occur frequently.
- Survivor’s Guilt: If the person did not survive despite your efforts, you might experience what’s known as survivor’s guilt. This can lead to feelings of worthlessness, depression, and self-doubt as you question why you survived or why you couldn’t save the other person. Survivor’s guilt is a complex emotion that can deeply affect your mental health, and it’s vital to address it with compassion and professional support if needed.
How to Take Care of Your Mental Health After Performing CPR
If you begin experiencing the psychological and emotional effects of performing CPR, consider different coping strategies:
- One of the most effective ways to process what happened is to talk about it. Sharing your experience with someone you trust, like a close friend, a family member, or a colleague, can help you make sense of your feelings and validate your emotions.Â
- If your emotions are overwhelming or persist for a long time, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you work through your feelings, offer coping strategies, and support your mental health. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for instance, is particularly effective for trauma and PTSD.
- Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences can be incredibly therapeutic. Support groups, whether in person or online, provide a safe space to share your story, listen to others, and find comfort in knowing you’re not alone.Â
- Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, can help ground you in the present moment and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. These techniques encourage a sense of calm and can help you manage any lingering fear or tension.
- Sometimes, guilt or anxiety stems from feeling unprepared or doubting your actions. Taking a refresher CPR course or even advancing your training can provide a sense of control over future situations. The more prepared you feel, the less likely you are to be overwhelmed by doubt and anxiety.
- Exercise is a powerful stress reliever. Engaging in physical activity can help reduce anxiety, improve your mood, and promote better sleep, all of which are crucial for your mental health after a traumatic event. Even a simple walk outside can make a difference.
- Acknowledge that it’s normal to feel a range of emotions after such a significant event. Give yourself permission to feel and express these emotions rather than bottling them up.
Impact on Relationships and Community
The psychological impact of performing CPR can ripple out and affect your relationships and even the broader community.
Family
After performing CPR, you might notice a shift in your interactions with those closest to you. Some might become more protective or anxious about their well-being, especially if they witnessed or were affected by the event. Conversely, you might feel more protective of them and concerned about their health and safety, so open communication is crucial in navigating these changes. Share your feelings and listen to theirs to maintain healthy, supportive relationships.
Colleagues
If the CPR incident occurred at work, the event could significantly impact your workplace dynamics. You might find colleagues treating you differently, either with more respect or discomfort, unsure how to approach you about what happened. It can be helpful to have an open conversation with your coworkers or seek support from your HR department if you feel overwhelmed or isolated.
Community
Performing CPR can also serve as a wake-up call for the community. Your actions might inspire others to get trained in CPR or refresh their skills, fostering a more prepared and resilient community. It’s a positive ripple effect that can lead to more lives being saved in the future.
Deal with the CPR Aftermath in Tulsa, OK
Performing CPR is a moment that can stay with you, affecting your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. The psychological impact is real but remember – you’re not alone. Many people have walked this path before you, feeling the same highs and lows, and have come out stronger on the other side.
After performing CPR, it’s common to feel a mix of emotions and be scared, anxious, or uncertain. These feelings are part of what makes you human, but remember to seek support afterward.
At CPR Tulsa, we believe in more than just teaching you the skills to perform CPR. We’ll support you throughout the journey, from learning the basics to navigating the emotional aftermath. If you’re ready to take the next step in CPR training or need someone to talk to about your experiences, we’re here for you. Let’s work together to create a safer, more prepared, and compassionate community.
FAQs
What if I make a mistake while performing CPR?
Mistakes can happen, but it’s better to act than remain a passive observer in a life-or-death situation. The survival rate is significantly higher when CPR is performed, even if it’s not perfect.
How can I prepare myself mentally for performing CPR?
Regular training helps build muscle memory, making it easier to perform CPR under stress. Understanding the psychological impact and accepting that it’s natural to feel scared or anxious is crucial. Consider practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help manage stress and maintain focus.
Is it possible to hurt the person I’m trying to save with CPR?
Yes, performing CPR may cause some injuries like broken ribs or bruising, but these injuries are a small price for saving a life. The purpose of CPR is to keep the heart pumping and blood flowing to vital organs, and the person’s survival and recovery are the priority.
What should I do if I’m feeling overwhelmed after performing CPR?
First, know that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Consider talking to someone about your experience or find comfort in joining a support group. Seeking professional therapy to help process the experience is best.