• Reference Number: HEY1168/2024
• Departments: Major Trauma
• Last Updated: 30 June 2024

Introduction

This information sheet aims to help you, and those close to you, recognise and understand the process of psychological recovery and the common emotional reactions we experience after something sudden or unexpected impacts our lives (we might call this a traumatic event).

You have been admitted to hospital following a traumatic event and are being cared for by the Hull Major Trauma service. Psychology is part of this service; they can help you process any experiences, responses or feelings that you may have, or help you better understand any changes to your thinking.

If you would like to have some time with a Psychologist, please tell any member of staff and they can arrange a referral for you.

Understanding the effects of traumatic events

The situation you are now in is not normal for you, so you are probably experiencing things that don’t feel normal for you. Your body is processing stress/distress and uncertainty. Here are some examples of things you may notice, and how experiences change over time.

Common emotional and physiological responses include:

How long might this last?

In most cases these reactions are short-term and will pass after a few days or weeks as your body adjusts, processes the stressful event and recovers. However, sometimes these reactions can last longer depending on your circumstances and emotional responses.

Things you should try to avoid:

• Distracting yourself from thinking about it. For example, by being very active, taking on too much or going back to work very quickly. This again may prevent you from processing what has happened; instead take some time to help you come to terms with any changes.
• Using alcohol or medication to numb. People can try to distract themselves by using alcohol or medication to “numb the pain” and avoid thinking about the traumatic event. Your brain is needing to process the traumatic event and a high level of distraction or avoidance can disrupt this process.
• Bottling up your emotions. We are sometimes taught to manage our emotions and not “let it all out”, but emotions are a physiological natural response to circumstances around you. Allowing ourselves to feel and express them can help give us a sense of relief.

Accessing support after you leave hospital:

If you feel like you would benefit from some emotional wellbeing support after you have left hospital, your local Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) NHS Service can continue to help. Here is a list of helpful services and how to contact them:

Urgent Mental Health Support:

If you require urgent mental health support to keep yourself or others safe, you can access this by calling the following services in your local area, or by calling 999 or attending your nearest A&E.

Additional Helpful Numbers

• Mind Info line- tel: 0300 1233393
• Samaritans- tel: 116 123 (free at anytime, from any phone)
• HEADWAY brain injury association tel: 0808 800 2244 or tel: 07395 571398 for Hull & East Riding’s branch (headway.org.uk)
• Limbless Association (Amputee Charity Helpline) – tel: 0800 6440185 (limbless-association.org)
• PAUL for Brain Recovery – tel: 01482 620229 (paulforbrainrecovery.co.uk)
• Day One Trauma – tel: 0300 303 5648 (dayonetrauma.org)
• Cruse Bereavement – tel: 01482 565565 / tel: 0808 808 1677 (cruse.org.uk)
• Spinal Injuries Association – tel: 0800 980 0501 (spinal.co.uk)
• Hull DAP (Domestic Violence) – tel: 01482 318759 (hulldap.co.uk)
• DVAP (East Riding Domestic Violence support) – tel: 01482 396330
• Citizens Advice – tel: 01482 328990 or tel: 0300 3300 888 or tel: 0800 144 8848 (e-advice@hull-eastridingcab.org.uk)
• Hull ReNew (Drug and Alcohol service) – tel: 01482 620013 (hull@cgl.org.uk)

For additional information about services in your locality please contact your GP.

This leaflet has been produced by the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and is available as a download:

Download the “Major Trauma Psychology Service” leaflet