Three Mental Health Experts on Dealing With Trauma
Does it help to encourage someone to talk about it even if he doesn't want to?
Schonfeld: If someone is impaired, you don't wait. If you're suicidal, drinking heavily, unable to concentrate or to sleep, we need to get you some help. Otherwise, you invite people to talk, but realize it's an invitation. And concentrating on the details of the tragedy generally isn't helpful. Studies have shown individuals who spend more time watching TV after a tragedy had more problems, not less. Repeatedly watching is not therapeutic.
What about people who say they don't need help because being upset or traumatized is a normal reaction to an event like this?
Schonfeld: That reinforces the stigma that goes with seeking mental health help. You'd never say that shock from massive blood loss is a normal reaction to an abnormal event and therefore shouldn't be treated. You want to normalize the idea of getting assistance.
Have we learned anything from Columbine about the best ways for communities to move forward?
Ochberg: One important thing we've learned is to resist forming judgments too early, especially when you don't have all the facts. What we're seeing in Virginia is Monday-morning quarterbacking. It is too early to be assigning blame. There's a danger that the myth will be laid down on Day 1 or Day 2, before the investigation takes place. This needlessly interferes with the school community's ability to cohere and recover.
Is there a role for the Internet in the healing process?
Ochberg: Yes. The Internet creates an opportunity for exchanging ideas and concerns. Lots of people become agoraphobic after tragedies like this. They don't leave their homes. The Internet provides them a source of community support and a place to exchange ideas.
Can you ever get over this kind of thing?
Schonfeld: These are life-changing events, and you never get your old life back. It changes your life forever, often in positive ways, and in many negative ways, too. But you can't go back. If you keep trying to do that, you won't go forward.
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