‘I can’t unsee it’: Dealing with the trauma of watching someone die

Public violence and recent tragedies, including death Charlie Kirk Iryna Zarutska, shocked many people by what they see.

For witnesses, whether watching an incident in person or seeing it on screen, these memories can be difficult to shake and may develop into sadness and trauma.

Jonathan Alpert, the New York psychotherapist and author of the upcoming book The Therapeutic Nation, reflects the common Mental Health Impacts In an interview with Fox News Digital, a traumatic event, such as a murder. (See the video at the top of the article.)

How to deal with “collective grief” when a large-scale tragedy happens

These effects may include shock, fear, over-maintenance, Difficulty in sleeping and psychological replay of images.

“These are normal short-term reactions to feeling overwhelmed,” Alpert said.

Reactions may also include numbness or suspicion in the first few hours and days after the event, as if the event was “illusion”.

“Traum isolates and ligation helps.”

According to experts, while some people have a stable mood and their symptoms fade over time, others may experience invasive thoughts, nightmares or emotional detachment in the next few weeks.

Legislators call to delete Charlie Kirk’s assassination video

This may indicate that the trauma has become “more entrenched”, he said.

For some groups, e.g. undergrad Events like Kirk are still developing their sense of “identity and security” that may make them feel “particularly vulnerable.”

“They may be associated with the activity more strongly because it is on a university campus,” he said. “Olders may have more coping skills, but if the event stirs up early life trauma or Deep anxiety About social conditions. ”

Psychotherapists urge the public to pay attention to red flags that may indicate the need for professional help, including the inability to operate at work, school or home.

Click here to sign up for our health newsletter

“Continuous insomnia, panic attacks, irritability that causes relationships or withdraws from daily life is a sign of Pressure reaction Beyond normal range,” Alpert warned.

Certain coping mechanisms include basic techniques such as taking a deep breath, writing down thoughts and feelings, and talking to trustworthy people.

“Even a small routine, such as starting a day with a brief mindfulness practice, can relieve anxiety,” Alpert said.

Getting enough sleep, exercising and eating healthy foods are all good. In particular, physical exercise is known to release tension from the body. Calm the nervous system.

Click here to get the Fox News app

“The boundaries around news and social media are also crucial,” Alpert said.

As constant exposure to violent images can be reshaped

He added that the ongoing exposure to violent images on social media has made the public “numb” to events that were considered “terrible” 20 years ago.

“It seems like there are shootings in schools every other week now, and we hardly admit that,” he said. “People are becoming insensitive and crimes that were once considered really bad may be easier to absorb.”

The psychotherapist stresses that “trauma and connection help.”

For more health articles, visit foxnews.com/health.

“Family, friends and Faith Community Provides a sense of belonging and security which is crucial to recovery. ” he said.

“Talking publicly, sharing meals or engaging in spiritual practices can anchor people and remind them that they are not alone.”