Tragedy always affects the psyche and causes traumatic stress. It can manifest as misunderstanding or denial of what is happening, causing panic or psychosomatic reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, heartache, shortness of breath, etc.

Read also: Stress. A few words about the consequences. .

What psychological help or support needs to be given to the relatives and close ones of the deceased:

• It is important that psychologists work with people who are experiencing the loss of close ones. The main task is to guide the person to understand their feelings and create conditions for expressing them, help the surroundings find the right words or actions for support
• One way that already has a therapeutic effect for the relatives and close ones of the deceased is creating a space for sublimating the tragedy. It is a place where people can bring flowers or other items, light candles in memory of the deceased

What can be done to support a person experiencing the loss of a loved one:

• Be prepared to sit in silence if you can't find words of support; you can simply hug, hold a hand, or look into their eyes. If you don't know what to say, just express, "I don't know what to say, but know that I care."
• Offer your help in simple forms, such as preparing food, answering phone calls, or helping around the house.
• Be ready to listen; perhaps the person grieving will want to talk about the deceased. Be patient—it is a means of rethinking and accepting the loss.
• Monitor the person's emotions and psychological state. If you notice symptoms of depression—such as anxiety or oppressive feelings, irritability, guilt, sleep problems, unwillingness to leave the house or get out of bed, suicidal thoughts—help them find professional psychological help.

         Read also: Psychological help. Top 3 signs that it is needed. .

How to protect yourself:

• Limit the duration of watching news. We spend a lot of time online, scrolling through social media pages. The media will have many explanatory publications, most of which will initially be half-truths or fakes. Take a pause, focus on your tasks, and return to the news when there is analytical information available.
• Find the opportunity to read positive news. Strive to balance the information you receive. This helps to see the objective picture. The task is to experience bad news or events in doses, so as to be aware and able to act if your help is needed.
• If you can't help personally, but there is such a need or you simply feel powerless, look around. There are surely people near you who need help; direct your energy to them. This way, you can provide real help and feel better.

         Read also: If you need urgent psychological help, confidentially and without leaving home, it is only online..

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