What Are Traumatic Events?
Traumatic events include actual or threatened death, serious injury to oneself or another person, or a threat to the personal beliefs of oneself or others. Examples include violent assaults (e.g., sexual or physical assault or mugging), torture, and severe car accidents. Refugees who are fleeing their homes because of war and political problems may suffer from stress related to trauma. Common reactions during the days following the trauma: It is common for people to continue to have many thoughts, images and feelings for some days, or even weeks, following the trauma. These reactions are common and are a sign that the body is recovering from a severe stress. The most commonly reported reactions include: • Anxiety or fear of: danger to self or loved ones; being alone; being in other frightening situations; having a similar event happen again • Avoidance of situations or thoughts that remind you of the traumatic event • Being easily startled by loud noises or sudden movements • Flashback
