Question: I was involved in a car accident two months ago. Although I fractured my arm I am  boruch hashem okay. The driver of the other car was more seriously hurt and needed surgery. My friends tell me I am “traumatized” and that I talk about the accident too much. I think it's normal to be shaken up by going through such an experience. I do have trouble falling asleep at night but I don't know if it's related to the accident. Am I traumatized? Do I need professional help?

 Involvement in a car accident and witnessing others seriously hurt can be traumatic. Traumatic experiences involve a threat to life and safety that can shatter your sense of security, making you feel helpless in a dangerous world. People react in different ways to trauma and all responses are normal reactions to an abnormal event. Example of typical symptoms experienced include shock, confusion, irritability, anxiety, guilt, and feeling disconnected. These are usually accompanied by physical symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep, being startled easily, difficulty concentrating, racing heartbeat, agitation, and muscle tension. These symptoms typically last from a few days to a few months, gradually fading as you process the trauma. Even when the symptoms are no longer regularly present, you may be troubled by painful memories and feelings—especially in response to triggers that remind you of the trauma.

Recovering from trauma takes time. Everyone heals at his or her own pace. Some traumatic experiences lead to conditions such as post-traumatic-stress disorder which need to be treated, but most do not.

Current thinking is not to urge therapy unless natural healing doesn’t happen. For example, it used to be common practice to recommend psychological debriefing immediately following a traumatic event with the goal of preventing post-traumatic stress disorder.  This involved encouraging the person to discuss the traumatic episode for several hours. Subsequent research has found this debriefing to be associated with increased trauma symptoms presumably because it may interfere with the natural individual recovery process following a traumatic event.  Some may need to talk while others may not  be ready for this.

Those who have experienced trauma often find it helpful to talk and/or spend time with their regular support system (e.g., friends and family). It is also important to maintain proper eating, sleeping, and exercise habits. With time, support, and healthy coping, many people find that their initial reactions to trauma resolve. If symptoms persist for several months and/or worsen, especially if you can’t function, it is a good idea to seek professional help. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult with a trauma specialist to determine if treatment is warranted.

This article initially appeared in the Yated Neeman.