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Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Veteran Suicide Prevention

Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Veteran Suicide Prevention

Resources for Coping after a Tragic Event

Download this resource from NCPTSD For Leadership: The First Weeks Following a Critical Incident

We are deeply saddened by the tragedy at the Yountville Veterans Home. Our hearts are heavy for the Yountville Veterans Home community, and the families and friends who are grieving for those who died.

In the aftermath of this and other recent tragedies, we would like to provide some resources for coping after a traumatic incident.

Common Reactions After Tragic/Traumatic Events

There are many different responses to traumatic events. Most people have intense responses immediately following, and often for several weeks or even months after, a traumatic event.

These responses can include:

  • Feeling anxious, sad, scared, or angry
  • Trouble concentrating and sleeping
  • Continually thinking about what happened


For most people, these are normal and expected responses and generally lessen with time. Honor your feelings and remember that it is common to have a range of emotions after a traumatic incident.

Self-Care

Attending to self-care is an important part of coping after trauma.

  • Engage in healthy behaviors, try to maintain normal routines for meals, exercise, and sleep
  • Avoid alcohol and other drugs as these can suppress your feelings and make it more difficult to manage your emotions
  • Spend time with loved ones and trusted friends who are supportive
  • Talk about it with people who care about you and who will listen to your concerns
  • Keep informed, but try to limit the amount of news you take in whether it’s from the Internet, television, newspapers or magazines.

Recognizing When You Need Extra Support

In some cases, the stressful thoughts and feelings after a trauma continue for a long time and/or interfere with everyday life. For people who continue to feel the effects of the trauma, it is important to seek professional help. Some signs that an individual may need help include:

  • Worrying a lot or feeling very anxious, sad, or fearful
  • Crying often
  • Having trouble thinking clearly
  • Having frightening thoughts, reliving the experience
  • Feeling angry
  • Having nightmares or difficulty sleeping
  • Avoiding places or people that bring back disturbing memories and responses.


Physical responses to trauma may also mean that an individual needs help. Physical symptoms may include:

  • Headaches
  • Stomach pain and digestive issues
  • Feeling tired
  • Racing heart and sweating
  • Being very jumpy and easily startled

If you are in distress, experiencing a crisis, or need support, please contact:

  • Veteran and Military Crisis Line
    Qualified and caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders are available through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
    Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
    Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available - https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
  • The National Lifeline
    Provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 1-800-273-8255
    https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Additional Resources & Support

For more information about managing stress after a tragedy visit:

For Healthcare Providers Serving Veterans

  • VA National Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program
    Working with high risk individuals can be stressful. The Rocky Mountain MIRECC offers free consultation for any provider (community as well as VA) who works with Veterans.
    To get started, please send us an email at srmconsult@va.gov.
    For more information regarding the consultation program:
    https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/consult/how.asp
  • National Center for PTSD Consultation Program
    Any provider who treats Veterans with PTSD can ask a question or request consultation about PTSD-related issues.
    For more information see: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/consult/

 

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