Coping With Traumatic Events
How do people respond to traumatic events?
A traumatic event is a shocking, scary, or dangerous experience that can affect someone emotionally and physically. Traumatic events can include experiences such as natural disasters (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods), acts of violence (such as assault, abuse, terror attacks, and mass shootings), and car crashes or other accidents.
It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear is a part of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which helps us avoid or respond to potential danger. People may experience a range of reactions after trauma, including:
- Feeling anxious, sad, or angry
- Trouble concentrating and sleeping
- Continually thinking about what happened
Most people will recover from these symptoms, and their reactions will lessen over time. Those who continue to experience symptoms may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It is important to seek professional help if symptoms do not improve over time or begin to interfere with daily life. Some signs that a person may need help include:
- Worrying a lot or feeling very anxious, sad, or fearful
- Crying often
- Having trouble thinking clearly
- Having frightening thoughts or flashbacks, reliving the experience
- Feeling angry, resentful, or irritable
- Having nightmares or difficulty sleeping
- Avoiding places or people that bring back disturbing memories and responses
- Becoming isolated from family and friends
Physical responses to trauma may also mean that a person needs help. Physical symptoms may include:
- Having headaches
- Having stomach pain and digestive issues
- Having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Having a racing heart and sweating
- Being very jumpy and easily startled
People who have a personal or family history of mental illness or substance use, who have had previous exposure to traumatic experiences, who face ongoing stress or trauma (such as abuse), or who lack support from friends and family may be more likely to develop more severe symptoms and need additional help.
People who experience traumatic events also may experience panic disorder, depression, substance use, or suicidal thoughts. Treatment for these conditions can help with recovery after trauma.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911.
What can I do to cope after a traumatic event?
Healthy ways of coping can help reduce stress and improve well-being. Here are some things you can do to help yourself:
- Avoid the use of alcohol or drugs
- Spend time with trusted friends and relatives who are supportive
- Try to maintain routines for meals, exercise, and sleep
- Engage in exercise, mindfulness, or other activities that help reduce stress
- Set realistic goals and focus on what you can manage
Learn about self-care strategies and when to seek professional help.
How can I find help for coping with traumatic events?
If you’re not sure where to get help, a health care provider can refer you to a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker with experience treating people who are coping with traumatic events. Find tips to help prepare for and get the most out of your visit and information about getting help.
In addition, the Disaster Distress Helpline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. The helpline is free, multilingual, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
SAMSHA also offers an online treatment locator to help you find mental health services in your area.
How can I find a clinical trial for coping with trauma?
Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future.
Researchers at NIMH and around the country conduct many studies with patients and healthy volunteers. We have new and better treatment options today because of what clinical trials uncovered years ago. Talk to your health care provider about clinical trials, their benefits and risks, and whether one is right for you.
To learn more or find a study, visit:
- NIMH’s Clinical Trials webpage: Information about participating in clinical trials
- Clinicaltrials.gov: Current Studies on Coping with Trauma : List of clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) being conducted across the country
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