Adult Grief After a Traumatic Death

Treatment for PTSD The lasting psychological effects after a trauma can vary greatly from person to person. Some people experience few or no long-lasting consequences, whereas others may continue to have problems for months or even years after a trauma and will not get better until treated by a professional. There are two main types of treatment for PTSD: psychotherapy and medication. Some people recover from PTSD with psychotherapy alone, while others need a combination of therapies. There is hope. • Learn all you can about PTSD.

Remain hopeful that you can and will feel better.

• Talk about your symptoms with others. • Seek the treatment of trained doctors and counselors. • Continue counseling or therapy, even though it might feel painful for a while. • Join a support group.

• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor. • Remain hopeful that you can and will feel better.

Death of a Child

The unique connection between parent and child renders a mother or father especially vulnerable to traumatic grief. However unnatural, unjust, or illogical it may seem, a child may die before a parent. When a child is killed in a substance impaired driving crash, this violation of human life produces a deep and painful emotional wound—some call it the ultimate grief. The love for a child is special. Parents want to care for their child, to solace them, and to help them find happiness. Parents feel their child’s joy and find it difficult to see a child in pain, yet be unable to help. In no other relationship is the protective urge as intense or compelling as in a parent’s relationship with their child. Hopes and dreams are lost.

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