Fifth of trauma victims likely to seek psychological help

About one-fifth of those caught up in traumatic events like the Grenfell Tower fire are expected by the NHS to seek professional psychological help.

NHS England has written to GPs across the country with practical advice to help patients who may be suffering ongoing mental health problems following traumatic events like the recent fire, in which at least 80 people died.

In the absence of suicidal thoughts or self-harm, the NHS recommended a period of “watchful waiting” of up to four weeks before offering an intervention “to allow time for spontaneous recovery”.

If symptoms are severe and continue for more than a month, a referral to a specialist service may be required, the letter says. About 20% are thought to go on to seek this help at this point, based on previous incidents.

Dr Arvind Madan, deputy medical director for NHS England, outlined the symptoms to watch out for in the aftermath of a traumatic event, six weeks on from the Manchester bombings.

Some of these include mood changes, becoming easily startled or agitated and feeling emotionally numb.

Children and young people may start to blame themselves or show lowered self-esteem, the letter says.

Claire Murdoch, national clinical director for mental health, said: “We must remember that for those people who were affected by these horrific tragedies, the journey is not over and many will continue to face difficulties.

“From day one of each of these incidents, staff have been working incredibly hard on making sure that mental health support is available for those who need it.

“We want everyone who has been affected to know that there is always support available and how and when they should access it.”