Knowing When to Seek Help
The healing process is unique to every survivor, and more difficult for some than for others. Survivors share many common struggles following trauma and are at a greater risk for mental health concerns such as acute stress disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. It may be necessary to seek help if the healing process becomes a struggle or feels stuck.
In the days, weeks, and months following trauma, victims often encounter some or all of the following, to a certain degree.
- Disbelief and shock
- Apathy and emotional "numbness"
- Irritablility, restlesslessness, or "jumpiness"
- Sadness, despair, or depression (including suicidal thinking)
- Helplessness and hopelessness
- Pessimism or feeling fatalistic
- Guilt and anger
- Continual revisiting of the trauma
- Lowered self-esteem
- Crying for "no reason" or continually "feeling teary"
- Fatigue or sleep problems
- Headaches, stomach problems, or other chronic ailments that do not respond well to treatment
- Changes in eating patterns that result in weight loss or gain
- Fear and anxiety about the future
- Difficulties concentrating, focusing, making decisions, or remembering
- Emotional withdrawal from friends and family (including a lack of interest in physical intimacy)
- Increased use of alcohol and other drugs
- Obsessive thinking with regard to safety and security
Knowing When to Seek Help
Because no two survivors are exactly the same and because the healing process is different for each person, knowing when to seek professional help can be difficult. In general, it is time to seek help if symptoms persist without improvement (or worsen), or if fears and anxieties adversely affect daily life for any significant period of time. It is almost always better to seek help sooner rather than later, and asking for help and support can be a very positive step forward. Consider that different problems and obstacles may surface at different times along the road to healing, and remember that this is part of a process.
Following are some suggested actions to take to begin feeling better.
- Reducing activities (including workload or school coursework) or asking for help may lessen anxiety and be more manageable with a reduced energy level.
- Exercising regularly and eating well can help to restore and maintain energy.
- Continuing or resuming activities that were once enjoyed may make life feel more "normal" and provide opportunities to reconnect with friends and family who can provide support.
- Realizing that there are victim rights that can be voiced and exercised may help bring a sense of empowerment.
- Doing something enjoyable and relaxing each day provides personal time and dedication to healing and wellbeing.
- Recognizing when things are going well and when progress is made.
- Regularly writing down thoughts, which can be therapeutic and aid in tracking progress through the healing process.
Additional Resources
Following are some Web sites that offer more information on getting help for trauma and mental health concerns. Please note that Witness Justice is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the information provided on these sites. Though we support the good intentions of these sites, Witness Justice neither endorses nor assumes any responsibility whatsoever for any of the views or policies of the organizations represented here. It is incumbent upon the user to exercise good judgment when accessing or acting upon any information obtained from any resource.
Please contact us to help improve this resource by suggesting a new site.
National Mental Health Association section on when to seek help
National Institute of Mental Health section on depression
Health Quarterly's article on depression
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