A disaster or tragedy is not over for workers simply because the event has ended, says the American Psychological Association. While humans are remarkably resilient, not everyone bounces back from a dreadful event with equal speed.
As many as 20 percent of catastrophe survivors develop full-blown post-traumatic stress disorder, a clinical condition characterized by flashbacks, hyperarousal, withdrawal, and other psychological disturbances.
The common thread of all disasters is a perceived feeling of helplessness. People see that they are not invulnerable and that the world is not necessarily a safe and orderly pace. Catastrophe could strike at any time.
Two things that people can do to help themselves to psychologically recover from a tragedy are to talk to others and to rebuild routines, even if others might view this as inappropriate. In the case of a workplace disaster, management might provide an opportunity for workers to talk things over in groups, perhaps helped by a professional.