Prevention

There are a number of very positive actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing negative mental health consequences following traumatic events.  These include eating healthily, maintaining social relationships, regular exercise and engaging in relaxing activities. 

Following exposure to a traumatic event, there is some evidence that receiving good social support can reduce risk.  For people who develop symptoms of PTSD some early treatment interventions, including cognitive-behavioural therapy with a trauma focus and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing can help reduce symptoms.