Overcoming a Traumatic Event

What is a potentially traumatic event? 

To begin with, we’re talking about potential because, by definition, trauma is subjective (for example, two people who experience the same event will not necessarily experience the same consequences). 

The definition provided by the CNESST:A potentially traumatic event (PTE) is an event that poses a threat to a person’s life or physical or psychological well-being, such as a threat of death, a serious injury, or sexual violence. (CNESST, 2026)

What can happen to me if I experience a traumatic event? 

As previously discussed, some people may not develop any problems after being exposed to such an event. However, others may experience consequences that significantly affect their lives: 

• • Some experience Flashbacks, which are moments of reliving part or all of the event. It’s as if, at certain times, the event spontaneously replays in my head, often in response to a trigger. The trigger itself isn’t necessarily obvious and can sometimes be very subtle. 
  • Nightmares at night, when I'm asleep.
  • Difficulty falling asleep, or—on rare instances—sleeping for long hours only to wake up just as exhausted. 
  • Fear of leaving your home, isolation
  • The way you perceive the world can change drastically, potentially leading to you becoming distrustful of others and harboring negative thoughts about the world around you. Imagine a bitter person who sees only the dark side of everything around them. 
  • And many others. Here is a link to a pamphlet from the Victim Help Centers of Quebec (CAVAC) that provides a non-exhaustive list of the consequences people may experience following a criminal incident: Pamphlet on the Consequences

Basically, your life changes in an instant, and often, the people who come to see us tell us that they no longer recognize themselves since the events took place, and that they’re losing control over their daily lives. 

This feeling of losing control is precisely the result of the evolving consequences that force us to adapt as best as we can, without ever really feeling like we’re regaining control. At that moment, we’re merely enduring life, rather than living it. 

Those around us may feel helpless in helping us, no matter how strong our support network is during difficult times. Changes happen so quickly, and we adapt as best we can while our loved ones try, as best as they can, to offer advice—but often without success. Coping with a traumatic event often requires professional help because we’re trained to listen to what you have to say without judgment and to provide strategies to help you regain control of your life. 

How does the brain react to a traumatic event? 

First off, I want to say that biology isn’t my strong suit, but it’s still worth looking into why we experience certain consequences when we go through trauma.

The part of the brain responsible for certain automatic functions—such as our breathing or our heart beating—is also activated when we face a perceived threat, in order to protect us. This is what triggers the famous 4 F (Fight, Flight, Freeze and Fawn), which are immediate reactions to danger. Then, once the danger has passed, that same part of the brain records aspects of the event in order to prevent a similar event from happening again. In and of itself, it’s very impressive to see how the brain ensures our survival by trying to prevent danger from occurring again, but the key word to remember here is “automatic”! This isn’t a conscious process, and as a result, the aspects our brain records can lose their meaning in our modern society. For example, if the car that caused a life-threatening accident for me was gray, I might develop an intense fear of any gray vehicle I encounter on the road. What might happen next? I might start avoiding driving—or even leaving the house at all—and this could escalate into various maladaptive behaviors such as social isolation, substance abuse, job loss, and so on. 

What can I do if I've experienced a traumatic event? 

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for free community or government services. If you have been the victim of a crime, the Victim Help Centers (CAVAC) are tasked with providing you with assistance, whether it be psychosocial support or help in better understanding the criminal justice process, for example. You can also complete an eligibility application with Compensation for Victims of Crime (IVAC) so that you can seek care from private providers and be reimbursed for a portion of the costs. 

If the incident occurred while you were working, you can file a claim with the CNESST (Commission des normes de l’équite, de santé et sécurité au travail) . If the incident is traffic-related (such as a hit-and-run), you can file a claim with the SAAQ (Société des assurances automobiles du Québec) so that you can be reimbursed for a portion of the cost of services if you seek private care. 

Like the CAVACs, there are CALACS all over Quebec ( Centers for Assistance and Prevention of Sexual Assault), which also offer assistance to victims of crime, but strictly for crimes of a sexual nature. 

For a list of various resources, Visit our page on free resources in Quebec.