Healing the Mind

How to cope with disaster: tips for adults

After experiencing a tragic event, it can be hard to understand and cope with the range of emotions that you may be feeling. Learn about the common responses to disaster and strategies to help yourself heal.

Living with post-traumatic stress disorder

Sandra developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being raped. Read about her journey through diagnosis, medication, and counseling.

Unique concerns when dealing with a sudden loss

Any loss of a loved one is tragic and painful. But when death occurs from a sudden, unexpected cause such as an accident, natural disaster, suicide, or murder, the reactions of the survivors in coping with their grief can be intense. Read more here.

Faith, prayer, and healing

In cultures around the world, spirituality has historically played a large and very important role in healing. In today’s science-based, technological world, these practices now fall into the category of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). But how large a role does prayer still play in today’s world?

Learning how to recover after a traumatic event

A traumatic event does not have to define who you are; hope still exists. Here are some ways to cope.

Reduce stress: fit fitness into your life

Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Learn more here.

Psychological Effects

For complete healing, it is important to understand the psychological side of trauma.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Stress

Physical Effects

Anthrax is a life-threatening bacterial infection. The disease usually occurs in hoofed animals, like cattle and goats. Although it is rare, people can contract anthrax from exposure to infected animals or anthrax spores. Learn more here.

• Anthrax fact sheet
• Anthrax vaccine

Dealing with the physical environments that may cause trauma can put survivors and rescue workers at a greater risk for certain conditions:

• Acute silicosis
• Asthma
• Bone fracture
• Bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Concussion
• Conjunctivitis
• Electrical burns
• Emphysema
• Heart attack
• Shock

Healing the Body

To manage some of the physical after-effects of trauma, you may need the following:

• Blood transfusion
• Burn or wound debridement
• Fracture repair
• Pulmonary function tests