September 2001

# Emotional Responses to Traumatic Events

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has programs to help combat veterans deal with the emotional trauma of war.  Those programs have enabled VA to become widely recognized within the medical community as a leader in assisting people deal with the aftermath of emotional events.

The emotional effects of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City and the Washington, D.C., area, will be felt by people everywhere.  Those who were at the scene or have lost loved ones will have strong reactions.  People who saw or heard about the attacks through the news media may also be very upset.  

**Common Reactions**

Traumatic events create fear, grief, horror, helplessness and the feeling of being overwhelmed.  People may be bothered by nightmares or upsetting thoughts and pictures that come to mind.  Young children may be upset, distracted, or out of sorts.  These are normal reactions to very stressful events, and they usually get better with time.  

People directly affected by tragedy, young children, people who have been through other traumatic events, and people with emotional problems may need extra help.  

**Things You Can Do**

Whether directly affected by traumatic events or helping others through a difficult time, there are things to do:

· Remember that everyone has his or her own pace for processing trauma. It is important to listen to and honor their own pace and ways of dealing with the situation.

· Talk or spend time with people.  Coping with stressful events is easier when people support each other.  Follow your own natural inclination with regard to how much and to whom you talk.

· If talking does not feel right, other forms of expression such as journal writing, hobbies, art, or other enjoyable activities are often helpful.

· Find something positive you can do.  Give blood.  Join efforts in your community to respond to this tragedy.  Talk to your children and other loved ones to make sure they are OK.

**For Children**

· Let them know you understand their feelings. 

· Tell them that they really are safe.  

· Keep to your usual routines.

· Keep them from seeing too many frightening pictures of the events.

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**Trauma  2/2/2/2**

**When To Seek Help**

If a person is still upset a month after the attack, he or she may need to get extra help coping.  The sources below have information about where to get more help if it is needed.

**Where To Get More Information:**

## · National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:  www.ncptsd.org

This web site provides general information about trauma responses, research, and treatment, and has recently posted information about self-care, treatment, veterans, primary care clinicians and phases of responses in the aftermath of terrorism.  

· PTSD Alliance:******www.PTSDAlliance.org**

Provides educational information on PTSD to patients, families, and professionals.  

Also call (**877) 507-PTSD** toll-free to receive a free package of information about PTSD, including a video.

· Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC): **http://mirecc.stanford.edu**

Contains videostreaming of presentations and journal articles on post-traumatic stress (PTSD).  

*Information in this fact sheet courtesy of the Education Division of the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System*