Acute stress reaction: why it occurs even in witnesses to events, leads to PTSD, and how to help yourself

During wartime, we all live under the pressure of constant danger – the sounds of explosions, sirens, and news of shelling have become the background of our reality. But everyone reacts differently: in some, the psyche works like armor, while in others – like an alarm signal that literally knocks them out of reality. Why does this happen and how to understand your own state?

Especially for LIGA.net Oksana Samarska, a psychologist who, as part of the "Rehabilitating" team based at the "Treating" network of medical centers, is engaged in the rehabilitation of mental health of military personnel, veterans, and their families,explained how to distinguish between an acute stress reaction and a normal emotional upset, and how to help yourself or your loved ones.

What is an acute stress reaction?