Assistance During a Traumatic Event

Taking Care of Yourself

  • Try to rest a bit more
  • Contact friends and talk
  • Reestablish your normal schedule as soon as possible
  • Fight against boredom
  • Physical activity can be helpful
  • Eat well-balanced and regular meals (even when you don't feel like it)
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs taken without physician recommendation/prescription
  • Recurring thoughts, dreams or flashbacks are normal - don't try to fight them - they'll decrease over time and be less painful
  • Seek out professional help if the feelings become prolonged or intense

Taking Care of Others

  • Listen carefully
  • Spend time with the traumatized person
  • Offer your assistance and a listening ear even if they have not asked for help
  • Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for children etc.
  • Give them time to be alone
  • Help them stay away from alcohol and drugs
  • Keep in mind what they've been through
  • Don't try to explain it away
  • Don't tell them that they are lucky it wasn't worse
  • Don't take their anger, other feelings or outbursts personally

Further Assistance

Obtain further assistance if the person is :

  • Having life-threatening symptoms
  • Out of control
  • Suicidal or homicidal

Emergency Contacts

For emotional emergencies or information 24 hours a day in Bergen call 262-HELP 201-262-4357. For physical emergencies dial 911 (police, fire and EMS).

This information is courtesy of, and used with the permission of, the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management.