Difficult or traumatic events
Everyone responds differently to difficult or traumatic events. Witnessing conflict or acts of violence is upsetting for most people and can be traumatic for some. After a traumatic experience some people may go on to develop mental health problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety or Depression – and for those that do, there is help available. Many people find that the negative effects go away over time and there are ways to self-help and feel better sooner.
After a very upsetting or traumatic event, it’s not uncommon to experience:
Bad dreams, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts
- Difficult feelings: upset, worry, fear, anger, guilt, shame
- Negative thoughts about self or others including blame
- Acting differently: not wanting to go out or unable to enjoy things
- Relationship changes: feeling detached or guarded against others
Self-Care is important
Give yourself time…
Recovering from these thoughts and feelings can take time.
Don’t put yourself under too much pressure to feel better immediately.
Talk about it…
It doesn’t help to avoid talking about difficult experiences.
Talking to someone you trust about what happened and your feelings about it can help you to feel better – it could help them too if they are going through the same.
Ask for support…
Friends, family or others you trust will usually want to help and support if they know you’re struggling, being with others helps avoid poor mental health.
They can offer emotional support, help with practical tasks or just spending time doing normal things – all help improve our mood.
Stick to your routine…
Try to keep doing the things you would normally do, even if that feels difficult.
Eating well, moving around, getting enough sleep and taking care of our responsibilities are all part of self-care and essential to mental health and wellbeing.
Let’s help each other…
Coming together to connect is once of the most helpful things we can do during difficult times.
There’s lots you can do as a friend, family, community member or supporter of someone affected by difficult events.
Spending time with someone, offering practical help and support and just being there to listen is enough to help.
Kind to Your Mind has a useful guide to understanding when your mental health may be suffering, and you may need some more help and support. See ‘How are you feeling‘.
If you are worried about yourself or someone, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
Concerned about a child or young person?
Anyone under the age of 25 or a parent concerned about the impact of difficult events on a child or young person can access information and support via the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services website.
Help and support in Liverpool
If you need that bit of extra help, the following Liverpool services can help you.
The Life Rooms
The Life Rooms offer support to improve mental and physical wellbeing including help with loneliness, money trouble, housing, employment and lifestyle.
Visit: The Life Rooms
Call: 0151 478 6556
Liverpool Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice Liverpool give free, impartial, confidential advice. A general adviser will help, or put you in touch with someone who can.
Visit: Citizens Advice Liverpool
Call: 0808 278 7840
WhatsApp: 07468 533 492
Mersey Care
NHS Talking Therapies at Merseycare offer support if you are struggling following recent events.
Visit: Mersey Care – Talking Therapies
Call: 0151 228 2300 to find out more or call 0800 145 6570 for urgent 24/7 support if you are over 16.