After a severe physical injury, our bodies and minds go into a state of shock, because if we were to experience all of the pain, all at once, it could be damaging. After a tragedy, shock and denial allows those affected to slowly absorb the reality of the emotionally painful event. If we were to absorb all the pain at once it could be further damaging. It is important to recognize that these feelings, although extremely unpleasant, are normal reactions to an abnormal event. With appropriate coping skills, support and time, eventually many of these reactions will decrease or disappear.
Many factors affect how quickly individuals, families and communities recover.
These factors include the nature of the tragedy, how many people are impacted, availability of services and supports, belief systems, rituals and coping skills. One additional factor in recovery is the time between tragedies. For example a community experiences a homicide. However this is not the only tragedy that has taken place. Members of this community are already overwhelmed by feelings of grief and trauma even before the recent homicide.