Resources on trauma and healing

Collage of individuals displaying different methods of coping with trauma.

APA offers comprehensive guidance on coping with traumatic events, depression, anger, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction as well as meaningful pathways to healing, forgiveness, and building resilience. 

Mental health and emotional well-being matter. Explore APA’s robust content library steeped in science on the impact of traumatic events and how psychology can provide a roadmap for adapting to life-changing situations so that individuals may thrive again.

Trauma

Woman sitting against her bed

How to cope with traumatic stress

Psychologists recommend people lean on loved ones, prioritize self-care, and be patient with themselves to help manage the stressful effects of trauma.
rubble of collapsed building

How does trauma haunt future generations

Researchers and clinicians are examining the long-term impacts of war and other traumatic events on survivors, as well as their children and grandchildren.
The Color Purple movie sign

The Healing Guide (PDF, 2.4MB) opens in new window

This study guide primarily focuses on healing pathways. It describes each pathway and includes thought questions, activities, and additional resources.
young woman comforting a member of her support group

Topic: Trauma

Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible natural or manmade event; reactions include shock, denial, flashbacks, strained relationships, and physical symptoms

Depression

Depression for patients and families

What is depression and how to find help

This guideline recommends science-backed interventions for the treatment of depression in children and adolescents, adults, and older adults.
Collage of human faces dealing with depression

Treatments for depression

Recommended interventions for the treatment of depression vary according to the ages of those being treated.
APA psychology topics - Depression landing page

Topic: Depression

Depression is more than just sadness—it is the most common mental disorder; people with depression may also experience physical, cognitive, and social changes

Anger

How to control anger

Learn how to control anger

Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems.
How Psychologists Help With Anger Problems

Psychologists can help with anger problems

Psychologists can help people avoid the triggers that make them angry and can assist in managing the inevitable anger that can flare without warning.
Preschool aged girl crying in front of dad

Helping kids cope with anger and frustration

Helping children articulate their feelings without acting on them and providing consistent consequences can help them regulate emotions
preschool girl with an angry and annoyed expression

Topic: Anger

Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong

Anxiety

Beyond worry

How psychologists help with anxiety and anxiety disorders

Psychologists are trained in diagnosing anxiety disorders and teaching patients healthier, more effective ways to cope
Speaking of Psychology: What is anxiety and how can we treat it effectively? With Bunmi Olatunji, PhD

Podcast: What is anxiety and how can we treat it effectively

Bummi Olatunji, PhD, discusses how to recognize the difference between feeling anxious and an anxiety disorder and knowing when it’s time to seek help
young man looking anxious at home

Topic: Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes; anxiety is considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat

PTSD

Recommendations and Treatments Tile

Interventions for the treatment of PTSD in adults

APA guideline provides recommendations on psychological and pharmacological treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults.
therapy session with young woman suffering from PTSD

Topic: PTSD

PTSD may develop in some people after extremely traumatic events, such as combat, a terrorist attack, crime, an accident, or a natural disaster

Substance abuse, use, and addiction

Addiction

Topic: Addiction

Substance abuse is a pattern of continued substance use despite substance-related problems, distress, and/or impairment; addiction is psychological and/or physical dependence on the use of drugs or other substances, or on activities or behaviors
Katie Witkiewitz, PhD

Podcast: Sober curious

Katie Witkiewitz, PhD, talks about how stopping drinking even for a short period can be beneficial
Image of pills spilled from prescription bottle

Opioid resources for practicing psychologists

A guide to provide effective resources for psychologists to use in responding to the opioid crisis.

Forgiveness

young women forgiving each other with a hug

Forgiveness can improve mental and physical health

Whether you've suffered a minor slight or a major grievance, learning to forgive those who hurt you can significantly improve both psychological well-being and physical health.
Speaking of Psychology: The power of forgiving those who’ve hurt you, with Robert Enright, PhD

Podcast: The power of forgiving those who’ve hurt you

Robert Enright, PhD, discusses how you know if you’re ready to forgive, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, and whether any harms are truly unforgivable
A man embracing and forgiving his friend.

Topic: Forgiveness

Forgiveness is willfully putting aside feelings of resentment toward an individual who has committed a wrong, been unfair or hurtful, or otherwise harmed one in some way

Resilience

The Road to Resilience

Building your resilience

We all face trauma, adversity, and other stresses. Here’s a roadmap for adapting to life-changing situations, and emerging even stronger than before.
Resilience Guide

Resilience guide for parents and teachers

Children’s problems include adapting to a new classroom, bullying by classmates, or abuse at home, but resilience is the ability to thrive despite these challenges.
older woman on a beach looking up at the sky

Topic: Resilience

Resilience is the process of successfully adapting to challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands
Date created: December 2023