There are moments in life that test us. They challenge our understanding of the world and our sense of safety. Trauma comes in many forms and affects thousands of Australians from all walks of life. Watch this video to find out more. This video is also available in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese.
Almost everyone who experiences trauma will be emotionally affected and there are many different ways in which people will respond.
In the first days and weeks after a traumatic event, people often experience strong feelings of fear, sadness, guilt, anger or grief. As they begin to make sense of what has happened to them, these feelings usually start to subside. For some people, however, a traumatic event can lead to mental health issues such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug use, and negative impacts on their relationships with family, friends, and work.
After experiencing a traumatic event, the development of PTSD can occur, manifesting in a range of ways.
Depression is a common reaction after traumatic events.
Many people experience worry, fear and anxiety both during and after a traumatic event.
Alcohol and drugs may help to numb painful emotions and memories in the short term, but they get in the way of recovery.
Mental health issues resulting from traumatic events can significantly impact family, social and work life.
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