Coping with Traumatic Events
The National Institute of Mental Health conducts and supports research not only on a wide range of mental health disorders, but also on reactions to national crises and traumatic events. This research includes the reactions of people following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers; the Oklahoma City bombing; wars and violence in the Middle East; and disasters such as earthquakes, tornados, fires, floods, and hurricanes, including the 2005 Gulf Coast storms.
There are many different responses to crisis. Most survivors have intense feelings after a traumatic event but recover from the trauma; others have more difficulty recovering — especially those who have had previous traumatic experiences, who are faced with ongoing stress, or who lack support from friends and family — and will need additional help.
The NIMH provides information based on scientific research and evidence-based practice. We have compiled this information to assist you, your family, and friends. We have special information for helping children that many parents and organizations have found useful.
Mental Disorders That May Be Related to or Affected by Exposure to Violence or Traumatic Events
NIMH Publications and Reports
- Mapping the Landscape of Deployment Related Adjustment and Mental Disorders: A Working Group to Inform Research (PDF file, 22 pages)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), A Real Illness
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Research Fact Sheet
- Depression: When the Blues Don't Go Away
- Panic Disorder, A Real Illness
- Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do
- Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Community Members Can Do
- Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Rescue Workers Can Do
- Mental Health and Mass Violence: Evidence-Based Early Psychological Intervention for Victims/Survivors of Mass Violence (PDF file, 123 pages)
Resources
- Information about Children and Violence
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Hurricane Information
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)
- The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress at USUHS has developed several fact sheets on disaster and terrorism and military health.
- Courage to Care, a USUHS health promotion campaign for the military and civilians that are part of the military community, has developed several fact sheets on health topics relevant to military life.
- Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- NLM's MedlinePlus
- Resources from the CDC