Critical Incident
Our compilation of comprehensive resources will offer you guidance, support, and hope. You do not have to face this alone.
Helping Yourself After a Traumatic Event
Traumatic events like assaults, natural disasters, war, or serious accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed by fear, sadness, guilt, anger, or grief. These reactions are normal, and while coping can be tough, most people gradually recover with time and support from loved ones. This fact sheet offers practical ways to help you manage in the days and weeks following a traumatic experience.
Helping a Friend or Family Member After a Traumatic Event
Traumatic events, like assault, disasters, war or serious accidents can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed, frightened, angry, or deeply sad. These reactions are normal and often ease over a few weeks, but coping can still feel tough. With the support of family and friends, most people begin to steady themselves, and this fact sheet offers practical ways you can help during that important time.
About Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after someone faces a life-threatening or deeply distressing event, such as assault, disaster, war or a serious accident—experiences most people encounter at least once in their lives. Strong emotions like fear, guilt, anger and sadness are common in the days and weeks that follow and often settle with time and support. But when the distress doesn’t ease, it may signal the development of PTSD or another mental health condition.
Helping Children After a Traumatic Event
Children who face traumatic events like accidents, disasters, assault or war can be left feeling frightened, sad, angry or guilty, and many struggle to understand what’s happened. These reactions are common and usually soften over the following weeks, especially when children feel supported by the adults and friends around them. With patience, reassurance and a steady presence, families can play a vital role in helping young people regain their sense of safety and begin to heal.
Helping Yourself After a Traumatic Event
Recovering after a traumatic event whether it’s an accident, assault, disaster, or war can be overwhelming, with intense feelings of fear, sadness, guilt, anger, or grief. These emotions are a normal response and usually ease over time, especially with the support of family and friends. While coming to terms with what happened can take a while, there are practical steps you can take in the days and weeks afterward to help yourself heal and regain a sense of stability.
Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Most people are affected emotionally after a traumatic event, but for some, these feelings can linger. If difficulties persist beyond a couple of weeks, speaking to your GP or a mental health professional can help assess your needs and explore treatment options. PTSD is treatable, often through counselling, medication, or a mix of both and effective support can help even if the trauma happened years ago.