Resources For Those Dealing With Trauma

By Bill Hudenko
Medically reviewed checkmarkMedically reviewed
February 4, 2022

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:: 

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.

Additional Resources For Help

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:

  1. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you believe that you are in immediate danger of killing yourself.
  2. 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

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

Bill Hudenko

Bill Hudenko, Ph.D. has significant experience in the fields of both mental health and technology. Dr. Hudenko is a licensed psychologist, a researcher, and a professor who holds a joint appointment as a faculty member at Dartmouth’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine.