Following the tragic incident in Manchester on 22 May, we are sharing the following advice on common reactions to traumatic events.

The following responses are normal and to be expected in the first few weeks:

• Emotional reactions such as feeling afraid, sad, horrified, helpless, overwhelmed, angry, confused, numb or disorientated.
• Distressing thoughts and images that just pop into your head.
• Nightmares.
• Disturbed sleep or insomnia.
• Feeling anxious.
• Low mood.

These responses are a normal part of recovery and are the mind’s mechanisms of trying to make sense and come to terms with what happened. They should subside over time.

What can people do to cope?

• The most helpful way of coping with an event like this is to be with people you feel close to and normally spend time with.
• If it helps, talk to someone you feel comfortable with (friends, family, co-workers) about how you are feeling.
• Talk at your own pace and as much as you feel it’s useful.
• Be willing to listen to others who may need to talk about how they feel.
• Take time to grieve and cry if you need to. Letting feelings out is helpful in the long run.
• Ask for emotional and practical support from friends, family members, your community or religious centre.
• Try to return to everyday routines and habits. They can be comforting and help you feel less out of sorts. Look after yourself: eat and sleep well, exercise and relax.
• Try to spend some time doing something that feels good and that you enjoy.
• Be understanding about yourself.

For immediate support you can phone the national helpline on 0808 1689111.

How can children be helped to cope?

• Let them know that you understand their feelings.
• Give them the opportunity to talk, if and when they want to.
• Respect their pace.
• Reassure them that they are safe.
• Keep to usual routines.
• Keep them from seeing too much of the frightening pictures of the event.

When should a person seek more help?

In the early stages, psychological professional help is not usually necessary or recommended. Many people recover naturally from these events. However, some people may need additional support to help them cope. For example, young children, people who have had other traumatic events happen to them and people with previous mental health difficulties may be more vulnerable.

If, about a month after the event, anyone is still experiencing the following difficulties, it is a good idea to seek help and you can call the Enrolment Team at MyWellbeing College on 0300 555 5551:

• Feeling upset and fearful most of the time.
• Acting very differently to before the trauma.
• Not being able to work or look after the home and family.
• Having deteriorating relationship difficulties.
• Using drugs or drinking too much.
• Feeling very jumpy.
• Still not being able to stop thinking about the incidents.
• Still not being able to enjoy life at all.