Under the DSM-5, the types of trauma that can cause PTSD include not only direct experience but also witnessing trauma happen to others, learning that trauma has happened to a close family member or friend, and repeated occupational exposure to the details of trauma (firefighters, paramedics, detectives, etc.). The brain's fear circuitry can be activated in the same way in witnesses and those who experience trauma indirectly, and this is not an abnormal reaction at all.

Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective

At Dongjedang, we look less at the type of trauma or whether it was direct or indirect, and more at how much the heart-mind (shim-gi) has been injured. Intense fear and a startle response caused by witnessing an event is enough to bring on a pattern of heart-and-gallbladder deficiency, and our treatment approach is designed in the same direction of tonifying the heart and calming the spirit. Please don't minimize your own experience as trivial—if your symptoms persist for more than four weeks, we recommend seeking care.