You may be driving in your car and suddenly have thoughts of the crash or perceive sensa- tions (images, smells) that “bring you back” to the crash. You may wake-up in the middle of the night in a panic due to a nightmare. Moments like these typically come about with- out warning and over time can cause you to avoid situations that you connect with the crash or these recurrences. You may feel on edge, anx- ious or always ready to react. Recollections can be so painful and scary that they disrupt your normal activities and relationships. Trauma victims/survivors who consistently experience all of these symptoms for at least one month or longer may be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder that is diagnosed by a mental health professional. If you believe you may be suffering from PTSD it is important to seek professional help as PTSD is treatable with a combination of therapies. Professional counselors can help diffuse the impact of these memories by providing emo- tional support as the experience is relived, using techniques to help recall the memory with less horror. With help, positive memories of the loved one will replace the distressing memories. Social Changes in Response to Traumatic Grief Life After Loss While the initial response to the death is defined by the term grief, mourning refers to the inter- nal processes associated with adapting to life without your loved one. Some have described mourning as a “misty fog on life.” You are not al- ways aware, yet you realize that life is not quite
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