How to Recover from Last Year's Horrific Traumas?

A year ago, I witnessed terror attacks and murder during Simchat Torah. I still can't shake it off. What can be done?

A traumatic event is one that leaves a feeling of helplessness. The major issue lies in the conclusions drawn by a person in the aftermath of the trauma. The harsh experience leads to the belief that "the world is a threatening place," and as a result, the person feels threatened in various life situations. They speak less with people, initiate less, fear forming connections, and place other restrictions and avoidances on themselves.

The first step in recovery is understanding that what was – is not what will be. What happened was a singular event. Indeed, it was painful, shocking, and has a lasting impact, but it was a singular event. It's important to distinguish and separate, and to tell yourself: It was scary, but it was! It was hard and shocking (not to suppress emotions, but to acknowledge them), but it was (adding an element of logic and effectiveness).

The next step is internalizing that the fact you saw the horrors, and nonetheless you are, b''h, still alive – is proof that surviving a traumatic event is possible. There were tens of thousands of shattering events, but you survived! On the contrary, there is no one who knows better than you that it's possible.

It's important not to pressure yourself for time, but to tell yourself: "I accept that it's hard for me. I'm not rushing myself to feel good." Do not compare who you are after the trauma to who you were before the trauma, do not make comparisons and wonder when you'll start feeling good again. Comparisons to the past are stressful and prevent progress towards the future.

Every day, twice a day, for 10 minutes, incorporate a positive experience into your routine – such as eating, music, physical activity, etc. – with full concentration and without background noise. Focus on it and experience it. When the mind experiences a concentrated and focused positive experience, it gradually comes back to believing that there is purpose and meaning in life.