Trauma and PTSD: the mind after a shocking event

Reactions after a shock are natural

After a life-threatening or horrific event — an accident, violence, a disaster, a sudden death — it is natural to have trouble sleeping, see the scene again in your mind, and feel on edge for a while. For many people these reactions gradually ease over a few weeks.

What is PTSD?

If symptoms last more than a month and seriously disrupt daily life, it may be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are four main groups of symptoms:

• Re-experiencing: unwanted memories or nightmares, feeling as if you are back in the moment
• Avoidance: avoiding places, people, or conversations that remind you of the event
• Changes in thoughts and feelings: self-blame, guilt, numbness, feeling cut off from others
• Hyperarousal: always tense, easily startled, trouble sleeping, more irritable

What helps recovery

• Rebuild a safe routine: regular meals and sleep, connection with people you trust
• Don't force yourself to forget: practice noticing memories and feelings without judging them
• Don't rely on alcohol or drugs to cope: they may bring brief relief but slow recovery
• When you are ready, share your story with someone you trust or a professional

Treatment

PTSD has proven treatments. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are the main psychotherapies, sometimes combined with medication.

In the U.S., the National Center for PTSD (ptsd.va.gov) offers treatment information and free self-help apps for everyone, not only veterans. In Korea, the National Trauma Center and regional trauma centers provide free psychological support after disasters.