Sometimes the mind is unable to make sense of the threatening event. It doesn't get the message that the traumatic even is over and the body has survived. The mind continues to signal the nervous system to prepare the body to fight, flee or freeze. This continued preparation for defensive action is at the core of the disturbing physical and psychological symptoms associated with traumatic stress, and the debilitation condition known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is not necessary to remember a traumatic event in full, or even at all, to get help.
Later steps involve restoring emotional resources, physical reflexes and nervous system balance.
If the traumatic event is remembered, there will be further steps to help make sense of what happened and to recognize it is over.