Frequently Asked Questions

 

What should I do if I or someone I care about has recently been traumatized?

Unfortunately, due to circumstances often outside our control, we may encounter horrific situations that seem beyond our ability to cope. Sometimes this happens more than once, and some people find themselves in situations where they are repeatedly traumatized.

In the aftermath, perhaps the most important thing is for people to reach out to those who they care about and who make them feel safe. It’s natural to feel shaken, scared, and irritable for days, weeks, and months after a traumatic event. Sleep may be disturbed, and people may find they no longer enjoy things that previously gave them pleasure. Some therapists offer immediate psychological debriefing after trauma, but there is no evidence that this is actually helpful—some evidence suggests it may even make people feel worse. The important thing to realize is that the majority of people eventually recover from trauma. It can be helpful to talk to a professional, but it doesn’t have to happen immediately. Some people may feel too numb to process.

About 10-20% of people develop PTSD following trauma, although some people may continue to suffer from sub-PTSD symptoms. The important thing to remember is that experiencing a trauma does not automatically mean someone will develop PTSD. An individual cannot be diagnosed with PTSD until at least one month after the trauma.

In sum, I think the most important thing following a trauma is for survivors to try to stay connected to their lives, and to reach out to those who can be there for them. If they decide they would like to meet with a therapist, it may be useful to compile a list of trauma specialists who treat Acute Stress Disorder or PTSD.