Columbia University Health Services

When you experience or witness a traumatic event, you may feel intense fear, helplessness, terror, or you may find yourself feeling numb (not feeling anything).  Sometimes, you may not realize that you have been traumatized. You may be in shock or unaware of the impact of the event.

During the days or months following the trauma, you may find yourself reliving the event in dreams, feelings, daydreams and/or other conscious thoughts or trying to avoid any setting that may remind you of the trauma. You may feel detached from those around you. You may have difficulty sleeping or find yourself sleeping much more than usual. You may even have trouble concentrating.

How can I deal with my reactions to the event?
First, accept that being exposed to a traumatic event will probably affect you in some way. Remember that there is no right or wrong way to think or feel about the traumatic event. Any reaction you have is valid. Be accepting of your own feelings and reactions as well as those of others. Different people may react in very different ways.  

Talking to others about the event can be very helpful. Tell sympathetic family or friends about your experience. Don’t feel responsible for the event; try to understand what your limitations were at the time of the event. People tend to feel that they should have reacted differently or done something to prevent or to lessen the impact of the incident.

Be aware that in traumatic situations, most people react in the best way that they can based on their ability and their awareness at that exact moment in time. Sometimes the trauma has affected your friends and family, and they may not be able to help you or even listen to you. In fact, they may also need someone to talk to.

Do I need counseling?
Counseling can be helpful. Take advantage of individual and group counseling services available to you. Counseling can help you make sense of your experience to understand how the trauma has affected you and to understand your feelings and reactions to it.

If you or someone close to you has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or if you would like more information about reactions to trauma, come in and speak with a professional counselor at Counseling & Psychological Services.

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