Witnessing violence leaves scars. How to cope with the aftermath of traumatic events
Witnessing Violence Leaves Scars. How to Cope With the Aftermath of Traumatic Events
Witnessing violence leaves scars How to cope – Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is dealing with mental health challenges, assistance is accessible. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support. A sudden surge of chaos erupted on Interstate 495 near Washington, DC, when a man unleashed a violent attack that claimed the lives of a woman and a dog on the highway. The incident, which occurred in Fairfax County on March 1 shortly after 1 p.m., began with a car crash and escalated into a deadly confrontation. As CNN previously reported, a Virginia State Police officer responded to a call about a road rage incident, only to find themselves in the middle of a life-threatening situation.
The Unseen Impact of Trauma
The violent confrontation ended when the officer discharged their firearm, neutralizing the suspect in self-defense. “The trooper exited the vehicle and immediately fired — from what I observed, at least two to three rounds,” recounted an eyewitness who preferred to remain anonymous to safeguard their privacy. “At that moment, I was shouting and disconnected from my cousin. I called 911 as I tried to absorb what I was witnessing.” While such events may appear rare, research reveals they are far more common than most realize. A June 2025 study highlighted that 64% of U.S. adults have encountered in-person gun violence, with Black and Hispanic adults facing notably greater risks compared to White individuals. Additionally, 70% of Americans have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, according to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Processing Trauma Through Storytelling
For those who witnessed the incident, the aftermath was equally intense. “I was gripped by fear that this was part of a larger plan or that another person was involved,” shared a mother of two, describing the haunting image of the suspect’s lifeless body. Such experiences can leave individuals grappling with emotional turbulence, experts warn. “It’s vital to verbalize what you’ve seen right after a traumatic event,” said Shari Botwin, a trauma therapist based in Philadelphia. “Expressing the experience through words or writing helps initiate the healing process.” Botwin, who has practiced privately for three decades, emphasized the importance of recounting events repeatedly. “Share the story with three people first, then the next day, think of others you can confide in,” she suggested.
Botwin also stressed the value of capturing sensory details. “Describe what you saw, heard, smelled, and felt,” she said. “This anchors your memory and prevents the trauma from lingering unchecked.” For those without access to professional help, she recommended confiding in a partner, close friend, or family member. “These trusted connections can act as a first line of support,” she noted. In the initial month following a traumatic event, journaling can be a powerful tool. “Devote 15 minutes daily to documenting your thoughts, feelings, or observations,” Botwin advised. “This habit can help shield you from long-term effects like post-traumatic stress disorder.”
Therapy as a Path to Recovery
The witness described her ongoing struggle with the incident, noting that her employer provided eight weeks of paid leave for processing. “I’m in therapy, but I still have moments where ordinary situations trigger a visceral reaction,” she explained. “I’ve learned to be kind to myself during these times.” Greenwald and Botwin both underscored the necessity of therapy in overcoming trauma. “In an ideal scenario, I’d recommend short-term counseling with a therapist eight to 10 times,” Botwin said. “When you articulate your experience, you reduce the likelihood of flashbacks or heightened alertness, which can trap you in a constant state of fight-or-flight.”
Greenwald, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Trauma Institute in Northampton, Massachusetts, added that the body’s physiological response to trauma is critical to understand. “When the brain senses a threat, it initiates a cascade of reactions — freezing, shutting down, or reacting instinctively,” he explained. “This is why naming the experience through conversation or writing helps break the cycle.” He further highlighted that practices such as self-care, balanced nutrition, rest, physical activity, and social engagement play a foundational role in recovery. “These routines create a sense of stability and allow the mind to reorient itself after a crisis,” Greenwald said.
Post-Traumatic Growth: A Journey of Resilience
Despite the overwhelming nature of trauma, some individuals report personal growth from their experiences. “Post-traumatic growth doesn’t mean forgetting the pain, but finding meaning in it,” Botwin explained. “It’s about how you choose to rebuild your life afterward.” This concept aligns with the idea that trauma can serve as a catalyst for transformation, provided individuals engage in proactive coping strategies. “The key is to not isolate yourself but to seek support and structure in the days that follow,” she added.
The soldier’s story exemplifies the complexities of trauma recovery. After the incident, she described moments of intense emotional and physical distress, including nightmares and an inability to concentrate. “I felt like I was trapped in a loop of fear and uncertainty,” she said. “But therapy gave me tools to manage these symptoms and reclaim my sense of control.” Her experience underscores the importance of addressing trauma promptly, as delayed processing can lead to deeper psychological consequences. “The sooner you start talking about what happened, the better your chances of healing,” Greenwald emphasized.
Building a Foundation for Healing
Both Botwin and Greenwald agree that early intervention is essential. “Therapy helps you identify patterns and develop strategies to cope with triggers,” Botwin said. “It’s not just about venting, but about understanding how your mind and body respond to stress.” Greenwald echoed this, noting that self-care routines act as a buffer against the lingering effects of trauma. “Nutritious meals, sleep, and social connections provide the mental and physical resources needed to rebuild,” he explained. “They create a sense of normalcy, which is crucial during recovery.”
For those who may feel overwhelmed by the thought of professional help, Botwin recommended starting with informal conversations. “Even sharing your story with a neighbor or a coworker can be a step toward healing,” she said. “It’s about creating a space to process your experience, whether through talking or writing.” She also highlighted the role of community in trauma recovery, noting that collective support can alleviate the burden of individual suffering. “When you share your story, you remind yourself that you’re not alone in this journey,” Botwin concluded.
A New Way to Heal
The Chasing Life Video Podcast series explores how individuals can find purpose and resilience after trauma. “What matters most is how you choose to respond to your experiences,” said one episode’s host. “Healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible with patience and support.” This perspective aligns with the broader conversation about trauma’s impact on mental health. “Every traumatic event is unique, but the principles of processing and connecting remain universal,” Greenwald added. “The goal is to transform fear into strength, and pain into understanding.”
As the community in Fairfax County grapples with the aftermath of the incident, the focus remains on recovery and resilience. “Trauma can change you, but it doesn’t have to define you,” Botwin said. “With the right tools and support, you can emerge stronger.” Her words serve as a reminder that while witnessing violence leaves lasting scars, it also opens the door to healing through shared experiences and intentional care.
