Experiencing trauma

Trauma is an intense emotional response to overwhelming events like violent acts, sexual assault, natural disasters or ongoing abuse. The signs of trauma don’t always show up immediately and can last for months or years. Mental health professionals can help individuals cope with trauma and prevent or lessen long-term impact.

Learn

Trauma is complex and its causes and symptoms can differ from person to person. The more you know, the better you can identify and address it in your own life or when it impacts a friend or family member.

Understanding Trauma

Psychology Today explains the different types of trauma, their effects and treatment options.

PTSD 101

This comprehensive overview of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) explains its causes, symptoms and treatment options.

Trauma and the Brain

Physician and professional musician Dr. John Rigg talks about trauma’s effect on the brain in this popular Tedx talk.

Psychology of PTSD

This animated video from Ted-ED walks through the science of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), its symptoms and how the brain reacts to trauma.

Reflect

Journaling is a proven way to help cope with traumatic events. Verwell Mind put together a guide on journaling and PTSD to get you started.

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Act

Regardless of the severity of the trauma you’ve experienced or where you are in your treatment journey, there are simple strategies for coping when the effects of trauma feel overwhelming. These resources are a good place to start, for you or to help a friend.

Take a Deep Breathe

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, the best thing you can do is step aside and take deep breaths or use simple mindfulness exercises to help regain control of your mind and body. Start by trying this mini meditation from Headspace.com

Get Tips from APA

This article from the American Psychological Association offers tips for coping with trauma, suggests when to seek help and explains how psychologists can provide evidence-based interventions to help with traumatic stress or acute stress disorder.

Tools for Traumatic Stress

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) shares 7 tools for coping with traumatic stress.

Supporting a Friend

Little actions can go a long way. The Huffington Post consulted with experts to develop 13 simple tips for helping a loved one who has experienced trauma.

Connect

Treatment is often required to cope with trauma, and since it can impact all areas of your life, it’s best to seek help at the first signs of a problem. If you feel hopeless or like you can’t go on, don’t wait to reach out. Contact one of the resources below or browse the full directory here.

When contacting a resource below, any information you provide will be collected and used by that resource, subject to its end user terms and conditions and privacy policy. Please contact the applicable resource if you would like more information.
Resource Type Contact
Crisis Text Line

Have a free, confidential chat with a trained counselor. Available 24/7.

 Text Line Text ACTION to 741-741
Lifeline

Call for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor. Available 24/7.

 Call Line 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Warmline Directory

A Warmline is a free peer-run hotline that offers callers emotional support, staffed by volunteers with lived experience.

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Disaster Distress Helpline

Provides free, immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to a natural or human-caused disaster. Available 24/7.

 Call Line 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
Inclusive Therapists

Inclusive Therapists offers a safer, simpler way to find a culturally responsive, social justice-oriented therapist.

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ADAA Therapist Search

A tool to help find local mental health services, including teletherapy options.

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BetterHelp

A paid online portal that provides access to mental health services, including online counseling, phone, and text communication.

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Talkspace

A paid online text therapy platform that provides 24/7 access to licensed therapists who cover a broad range of mental health services.

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Outside the U.S.? Find a Helpline

Free emotional support, wherever you are.

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