About The Healing Project

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When terrifying events happen in our community, we all feel afraid. Fear is a normal response when awful events touch our lives. Events like the sniper shootings, the World Trade Center attack, and the Pentagon attack teach us that our world has become more dangerous.

Over time the fear usually passes and our bodies begin to relax. But for some people, the fear doesn’t end. Traumatic Stress disrupts their lives. It affects their ability to perform normal activities. It fills their thoughts. It may even make them physically sick. The more a person experiences trauma, the more likely he or she will need help.

If this sounds familiar, it’s time to see your doctor. You may have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or another anxiety disorder. Your doctor can help. You can feel better again!

You Can Feel Better

Traumatic events upset our basic sense of safety. We may experience feelings of shock, disbelief, anger, and anxiety. We may have trouble concentrating or feel overwhelmed. All of these feelings are normal reactions in times of danger and afterwards. With the support of friends, family, faith communities, and counselors, most of us will be able to get back to normal routines. But when we become unable to cope or function as we once did, we need help.

There is Hope

There is help and there is hope. You may never feel as if the event didn’t happen, but there is a very good chance you can recover. Treatment involves both managing symptoms and talking about the trauma. Most experts agree that therapy, or counseling, is an important part of recovery. Medications, which can be prescribed by your family doctor, are sometimes helpful.

The Healing Project is a cooperative effort by:

• Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services
• Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Mental Hygiene Administration
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services
• Sidran Institute