Bali 12 months on.... Providing for continuing care and recovery

Traumatic events such as the bombings in Bali may cause many people to develop post-traumatic stress, traumatic grief, anxiety or depression.

This article outlines the requirements of recovery, indications of its progress and the role of general practitioners in preventive care, support and referral.

Research indicates that more than half of those involved in traumatic events can expect to recover without developing a disorder. However, even optimal recovery from tragedy is a protracted and arduous task that severely taxes physical, emotional and social health. The consequences of this may show as degraded health in the second year following a tragedy.