The advice of the psychotherapist on how to face after having witnessed traumatic violence

Public violence and recent tragedy, including the death of Charlie Kirk and Iryna Zarutska, have been shaken by what they saw.

For witnesses, whether by seeing the event in person or on a screen, these memories can be difficult to shake, potentially turn into sorrow and trauma.

Jonathan Alpert, a New York psychotherapist and author of the next book “Therapy Nation”, thought about the common effects of mental health of the witness of a traumatic event, like murder, in an interview with Fox News Digital. (See the video at the top of the article.)

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These effects may include shock, fear, hypervigilance, the difficulty of sleeping and a mental replay of images.

“These are short -term normal responses to something that seems overwhelming,” said Alpert.

In the first hours and days following the event, reactions may also include numbness or disbelief, as if the event was “unreal”.

“Isolates and the connection of trauma help.”

While the emotions of some people stabilize and the symptoms fade over time, others can feel intrusive thoughts, nightmares or emotional detachment in the following weeks, according to the expert.

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This can point out that trauma becomes “more rooted,” he said.

For some groups, such as students who always develop their feeling of “identity and security”, an event such that Kirk’s death can leave them “particularly vulnerable”.

Charlie Kirk speaks before he was shot down during the touring point visit to the University of Utah Valley in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, September 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley / The Deseret News via AP)

“They can join the event more strongly because it was on a university campus,” he said. “The elderly can have more adaptation skills, but can also be triggered if the event arouses earlier life trauma or deep anxieties about the state of society.”

The psychotherapist urged the public to keep an eye on red flags which can point out the need for professional help, including the inability to work at work, at school or at home.

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“Persistent insomnia, panic attacks, irritability that subjects the relationships or withdrawal of daily life are signs that the response to stress has gone beyond the normal beach,” warned Alpert.

Certain adaptation mechanisms include earthing techniques such as deep breathing, writing thoughts and feelings and speaking with confidence.

The expert encourages the limitation of the screen time and to avoid repeated images of the event. (istock)

“Even small routines, like starting the day with a brief mindfulness exercise, can stamp against anxiety,” said Alpert.

Sleep adequate, exercise and eat healthy foods can all be beneficial. Physical activity in particular is known to release the tension of the body and calm the nervous system.

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“Playing limits around news and social media is also essential,” said Alpert, as repair

Since constant exposure to violent images can be re-tasty

A constant exposure to violent images on social networks has returned the public “numb” to the events that have been deemed “horrible”, he added.

Certain adaptation mechanisms include earthing techniques such as deep breathing, writing thoughts and feelings and speaking with confidence. (istock)

“It seems that there is a school shoot every two weeks now, and we barely recognize it,” he said. “People become desensitized, and what was once considered a very bad crime is probably much easier to absorb now.”

The psychotherapist stressed that “the traumatized isolates and connection help”.

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“The support of family, friends and religious communities offers a sense of essential and security for recovery,” he said.

“Talking openly, sharing meals or engaging in spiritual practices can anchor people and remind them that they are not alone.”