You might find this information helpful if you, or someone you know, has been affected by or involved in a traumatic event.
What is a traumatic event?
A traumatic event is any event that can be considered to be outside of an individual’s usual experience and causes physical, emotional or psychological harm.
Examples of a traumatic event include:
- a serious accident, for example, a car crash
- witnessing serious violence or death
- natural or man-made disasters, for example, flooding or fires
- war and conflict
- serious and life-threatening illness
There are many kinds of events that can feel traumatic and it is important to remember that people will react in different ways.
It is also important to acknowledge that some people may have experienced multiple traumatic events themselves or been exposed to traumatic events affecting other people. Some people may be exposed to traumatic events through electronic media, or at work. Trauma could also be experienced as a result of an ongoing event or experiences that can happen over a long period of time.
How might I feel after a traumatic event?
It is common to experience a range of feelings and changes for a few weeks, and sometimes months, after a traumatic event. This can include:
- disturbed sleep, distressing dreams, or nightmares
- flashbacks and distressing memories, sometimes with intense feelings
- feeling upset when reminded about the event – sometimes when you are near where it happened or at a similar place
- avoiding feelings, people, or things associated with the event
- hypervigilance – being easy to startle, and feeling agitated
- overwhelming or difficult feelings – feeling negatively about yourself or others, blaming yourself or others, negative emotions like fear guilt or shame
- feeling emotionally numb, or detached from other people
- changes in how you act – not doing things you used to enjoy, acting in ways that are reckless or destructive, being angry towards other people or things
- tiredness, poor memory and loss of concentration
If after a month or so there is no sign of these feelings or changes getting better, it might be time to get some help.
What can be helpful after a traumatic event?
There are things that can help after experiencing a traumatic event including:
- give yourself time – it can take time to recover and accept what has happened, try not to put pressure on yourself to feel better quickly
- talk about it – talking about what has happened and how you feel with people you trust can help you be more resilient
- ask for support – family and friends can help with emotional support, but also help with practical things, or spending time together doing things you enjoy. You might also want to ask for support from your employer.
- keep routines – try to stick to routines, eat well and regularly, be active, and include time to rest and relax
- reduce demands on you – try not to take on any extra or new responsibilities for the time being
- take care – accidents are more common after a traumatic event so take extra care around the home and when driving, cycling or riding
Getting professional help
Everyone deals with traumatic experiences differently. Many people will be able to recover after a traumatic event with support from family, friends and their workplace.
Even when you have recovered from a traumatic event, you probably won’t forget about it. You might still feel negative emotions about it or find it upsetting to think about from time to time. However, these feelings shouldn’t be overwhelming or stop you from enjoying life.
You should ask your GP for help if:
- your symptoms are very bad and
- they don’t seem to be getting better
If your symptoms are very bad and are having a significant impact on your life after one month, you should speak to your GP.
If your symptoms aren’t as bad but have been going on for more than three months, you should speak to your GP.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has more detailed information about coping after a traumatic event and links to organisations that offer support for those affected by traumatic events.
If a child has been affected by a traumatic event
If a child has witnessed or experienced a traumatic event it is natural for them to be stressed, and they may be very upset and/or frightened. Typical reactions may include, but is not limited to:
- nightmares or not being able to sleep
- memories of the event popping into their minds unexpectedly
- playing or drawing about the event over and over again
- getting upset or angry more easily
- not being able to concentrate
- becoming more clingy with parents and carers
- physical symptoms such as stomach ache or headaches
- problems at school
These kinds of reactions would not usually last beyond four weeks – if symptoms of being very upset continue beyond four weeks it is important to seek help for your child.
Things that may help a child include:
- keeping to usual routines and activities where possible
- being available to talk to and listen to your child when they are ready – other trusted adults may also be helpful
- giving age appropriate truthful explanations about what has happened
If you have any concerns about your child, it is important to seek help via your GP.
Signposting – resources, and support services
Mental wellbeing resources
Making time for mental wellbeing and self-care is important for everyone at all times of our lives, and embedding small things as part of your routine can help you feel better and more resilient.
Search Every Mind Matters for free, NHS approved advice and simple tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing
The Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple steps you can take to help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life. Our mental health and wellbeing can be affected by many things. We can all struggle sometimes, and it is important to seek support when you need it.
There are organisations that offer advice and support:
Children and young people – local services
Kooth professional online support for emotional wellbeing and mental health, 365 days a year – for children and young people aged 11-18 in Devon.
Child Family Health Devon provide mental health support for children and young people in Devon. For urgent help for anyone under 18 experiencing a crisis, call 111 and select the mental health option.
Adults – local services
Talkworks provides free, confidential, service (part of NHS Talking Therapies) for people aged 18+ in Devon (excluding Plymouth), giving you the tools and techniques to improve your mental and physical wellbeing. This is a Devon Partnership NHS Trust service.
First Response Service provides support for anyone 18+ experiencing a mental health crisis, or who have concerns about someone else’s mental wellbeing, in Devon & Torbay (excluding Plymouth). Providing access to mental health care, advice and guidance 24/7. Call 111 and select the mental health option. This is a Devon Partnership NHS Trust service.
Mental Health Matters Devon provides a 24 hour, 365 days a year mental health helpline on 0800 4700317 as well as telephone advice and support at The Moorings and at locations in Exeter, Barnstaple and Torquay.
National organisations
Samaritans provides support 24hrs a day, 365 days a year for anyone in distress, or struggling to cope. Call free on 116 123.
Shout provides free confidential 24/7 text messaging support for anyone struggling to cope. Text 85258
Papyrus help and advice for young people with thoughts of suicide, support for those aged up to 35 years old. Call HOPELINE247 for free on 0800 068 4141
Credits
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