Medically reviewed
Bomb threats, attacks, and shootings are traumatic events can have a strong negative psychological impact on a community and can be overwhelming for anyone.
At K Health we believe that there is no health without mental health, and that mental health must be prioritized. That’s why we put together a resource guide full of free information and affordable mental health care options for anyone dealing with a recent trauma.
What Is Trauma?
A trauma is a highly distressing event like a natural disaster, bomb threat, shooting or physical/sexual abuse. Traumas are different from stressors, in that they overwhelm our normal ability to cope, and they involve a real or perceived threat of death or serious injury. People who experience traumas have intense feelings of fear, helplessness, or horror during the event.
After a traumatic event, it’s common to experience a range of reactions. Shock and denial are typical immediate responses. Other reactions can include flashbacks, nightmares, unpredictable emotions, feelings of panic, or physical reactions such as headaches or trouble sleeping.Those who continue to experience significant symptoms, may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can be diagnosed 4 weeks after a traumatic event and is characterized by four types of persistent symptoms including re-experiencing the traumatic event (e.g., dreams or flashbacks), avoidance, negative alterations in mood/cognition, and increased arousal and anxiety.
Coping With Traumatic Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are typical emotional responses following a trauma. Learning how to manage traumatic stress and anxiety can help you regain your ability to function without fear. Here are some tips from K Health to help you manage anxiety and stress::
- Stress vs. Anxiety? What’s the Difference? And How To Treat?
- Sleep Anxiety & Insomnia
- Coping With Stress
- Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Dealing With Trauma-Induced Depression
If you experience trauma you can be at increased risk for depression – particularly if you have experienced a prior depressive episode. You may lose interest in your favorite activities, have a loss of appetite, experience sadness, or withdraw from social activities.
Below are some self-help tools and resources that can help when dealing with a trauma-induced depression. It’s important to note if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, you should seek immediate help. We recommended you call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
- Clinically-Approved Self Help Tools for Depression
- Situational Depression: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment
- What is High Function Depression and How To Treat It?
- When Should I Seek Help For Depression?
Additional Resources For Help
- K Therapy: Offers free resources and smart chats on mental health topics such as managing anxiety after trauma
- CPTSD Foundation: Provides daily, affordable support groups to help in your healing journey
- Free Black Therapy: Connects Black therapists with Black and African American individuals who lack adequate funds or health insurance.
- Inclusive Therapists: Helps you find a therapist for those in marginalized communities
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Provides resources for families helping youth after recent shooting
- National Institute of Mental Health
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Free Clinics: Find clinics offering services for free or nominal costs.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Find alcohol, drug, or mental health treatment programs around the country
- CDC Resources: Free, confidential sources to help get paired with a trained counselor
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: Tips on how to find the mental health professional that’s right for you.
- Psychology Today offers a national directory of therapists, psychiatrists, therapy groups, and treatment facility options.
- SAMHSA Treatment Locator provides referrals to low-cost/sliding-scale mental health care and substance use treatment. Phone: (800) 662-4357
- HelpWhenYouNeedIt includes over 350,000 listings for social services, mental health, substance use, legal, and financial assistance.
When to Seek Emergency Care
If you ever experience thoughts, intent, and/or plans to hurt yourself, take the following immediate steps to get through these challenging periods as safely as possible:
- Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you believe that you are in immediate danger of killing yourself.
- If you are not in immediate risk of suicide but are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988, a 24-hour suicide prevention line that can be called from anywhere in the U.S.
Visit Suicide Prevention Lifeline here
