When communities experience natural disasters such as the recent Central Texas flooding, there is a wave of emotional and psychological distress that follows. People might feel sadness, shock, confusion, fear, anger, or even numbness. These are natural responses to a traumatic event. But in the coming days and weeks, it’s important to be aware of how these emotions evolve and to understand the difference between grief and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
While both are responses to loss or trauma, grief and PTSD are not the same, and knowing the difference can help you and your loved ones get the right kind of support.
Grief is a natural reaction to loss. This could be the loss of a loved one, home, safety, or even routine. Grief might include:
Grief can be intense, especially in the early days, but it usually softens with time. Grief is a developmentally appropriate response to an intense stressor. People experiencing grief often still find moments of relief, joy, or connection, even amid the pain.
PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after someone experiences or witnesses a life-threatening event. Trauma comes in many forms, but some common sources of trauma include natural disasters, car accidents, physical/sexual assaults, or violence/war. PTSD is different from grief in that it involves the brain becoming "stuck" in the trauma. Symptoms may include:
Symptoms of PTSD can take weeks or even months to appear. Oftentimes, symptoms do not manifest until you’re in a safer place and your body is finally able to begin emotionally processing the trauma. If distress is still strong or worsening a month or more after the event, or if it’s significantly interfering with your daily life, it may be time to seek professional support.
Grief and PTSD can co-exist, they’re not mutually exclusive. For example, someone who lost their home in the flood may grieve the loss of their belongings and sense of normalcy, while also feeling hypervigilant and unable to sleep due to memories of the rising water or a chaotic evacuation. That’s why tailored support matters.
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed right now. But you don’t have to navigate this alone. Here are some signs that you or someone you know may benefit from professional support:
Even if you’re not sure whether what you’re feeling is “grief” or “trauma,” it’s okay to ask for help. Support is about healing, not labels.
Whether you’re grieving the losses or reeling from recent events, your feelings are real and they are impactful. Healing isn’t linear, and reaching out is a sign of strength. Check in with yourself, stay connected with loved ones, and lean on these resources when you need to.
This post helps clients maximize their benefit from therapy.
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