Two aspects must be distinguished: the immediate crises related to the events and post-traumatic stress disorders. The latter typically emerge only in the weeks that follow," says Prof. Martin Walter, spokesperson for the DZPG partner site Halle-Jena-Magdeburg. "These developments are often first noticed within the affected individuals' social networks, when friends or family members withdraw or changes in behavior are observed. Affected individuals, their relatives, as well as colleagues and teachers, therefore need easily accessible information, including guidance on recognizing their own boundaries."
During the upcoming holiday season, an intact social or family environment plays a crucial role in observing adjustment reactions. "Children and adolescents, in particular, are a high-risk group if their own network does not provide sufficient support," says Prof. Dr. Silvia Schneider, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and spokesperson for the Bochum-Marburg partner site.
The experts also emphasize that, in addition to those directly affected by such large-scale incidents, particular attention must be given to at-risk groups indirectly impacted, especially due to the extensive media coverage. "People with heightened vulnerability, whether due to mental health conditions or current psychosocial circumstances, may experience psychological distress from poor processing and may require psychological support even if they were not directly involved," says Prof. Dr. Dr. Andreas Heinz, DZPG spokesperson and Director of the Psychiatric University Clinic at Charité in Berlin-Mitte.
The DZPG website provides links to accessible contact points offering crisis psychological, pastoral, and medical support. Individuals in need will be referred to specialized DZPG partners, including trauma clinics in Magdeburg and neighboring cities."
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