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Crisis > Help After Disaster

What is a Normal Response to Trauma and When to Seek Help

Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the war in Iraq, ongoing war on terrorism and natural disasters, Americans have experienced many powerful emotions. For most people, the intense feelings of anxiety, sadness, grief and anger have been healthy and appropriate. These feelings usually lessen over time and impact daily life less and less.

But some people may have a more profound and debilitating reaction to the terrorist attacks and war. Knowing what is a normal response to an abnormal situation, and what signs might indicate you have a more serious problem, will help you determine if and when to seek help from a mental health professional.

Common Responses

It is 'normal' to have difficulty managing your feelings after major traumatic events. Many people will experience some common symptoms in the days and weeks following such an event, such as:

Disbelief and shock
Fear and anxiety about the future
Disorientation; difficulty making decisions or concentrating
Inability to focus
Apathy and emotional numbing
Irritability and anger
Sadness and depression
Feeling powerless
Extreme changes in eating patterns; loss of appetite or overeating
Crying for "no apparent reason"
Headaches and stomach problems
Difficulty sleeping
Excessive use of alcohol and drugs

It is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to trauma and each person has their own tolerance level for difficult feelings. To cope with these emotions, there are some things you can do for yourself and others. Experts say that remaining engaged in our world, staying connected with people, and being optimistic about the challenges ahead are key to riding through otherwise traumatic times. In fact, in times of turmoil, people can make changes that improve their lives and life satisfaction.

Signs to Seek Help

However, when feelings do not go away or are so intense that they impair your ability to function in daily life, you may have a diagnosable disorder that requires mental healthcare. There are signs that can help you determine whether you are having a normal reaction to our nation's crisis or if you're experiencing a mental health problem. These signs include:

Nightmares and reoccurring thoughts about the event
Being unable to stop thinking about what happened
Avoiding thoughts, feelings or conversations that remind you of the event
Avoiding places or people that remind you of the event
Having a sense of a foreshortened future
Continued difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Feeling jumpy or easily startled
Being overly concerned about safety
Feeling guilty, worthless or hopeless
Not taking pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Having thoughts of death or suicide (Read our pages on Suicide in Adults and Suicide in Children/Adolescents to learn about the warning signs, who is at risk, how you can help and for additional information.)

If you are experiencing these symptoms, talking with a mental health professional or taking a mental health screening test can help you understand how well you are coping with the recent events. Take that step and get help.

To obtain a referral for services or for more information about mental health issues, contact us by phone at 914-345-5900, extension 240 or by e-mail at help@mhawestchester.org.

You may also wish to review other resources on this web site:

Crisis Intervention and Community Resources
Time for Reassurance

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