Whether or not you were directly affected by a traumatic event, it is normal to feel anxious about your own safety, to picture the event in your own mind, and to wonder how you would react in an emergency. People react in different ways to trauma. Some may become irritable or depressed; others lose sleep or have nightmares; and others may deny their feelings or simply “blank out” the troubling event. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to feel after experiencing trauma.
While it may feel better to pretend the event did not happen, in the long run, it is best to be honest about your feelings and to allow yourself to acknowledge the sense of loss and uncertainty.
It is important to realize that, while things may seem off balance for a while, your life will return to normal.
It is important to talk with someone about your sorrow, anger, and other
emotions, even though it may be difficult to get started.
You may feel most comfortable talking about your feelings with a professor,
counselor, or church leader. The important thing is to share your feelings
with someone you trust. If you don’t have someone to confide in, call
1-800-273-TALK for someone who will listen.
It is common to be angry at people who have caused great pain. This desire comes from our outrage for the innocent victims. We must understand, though, that it is futile to respond with more violence. Nothing good is accomplished by hateful language or actions.
While you will always remember the event, the painful feelings will decrease over time, and you will come to understand that, in learning to cope with tragedy, you have become stronger, more adaptable, and more self-reliant.
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Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Health and Human Services.
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