If a person experiences or witnesses very severe violence (e.g. due to physical or sexual assault, or fighting in a war) or a life-threatening accident (e.g. being thrown off a horse, a serious road traffic accident) then it is normal for them to become mentally distressed. In most cases, their distress will get better with support from family and friends, and with the passing of time.

Last modified: Sunday, 18 May 2014, 3:32 AM