“It’s not just law enforcement or veterans who experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a harrowing event,” said Assistant Commissioner of DMHS Kevin Martone. “Survivors, witnesses, family members and friends can often internalize the emotional stress of an incident resulting in increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression or withdrawal.”

“These symptoms may not appear immediately following the event but days, even weeks later,” added Martone. “It’s important for the affected individual to recognize that these symptoms are normal responses to a traumatic event and can often be treated with short term professional intervention.”

Below is a list of references that can be accessed anonymously:

• NJ Mental Health Cares 24 hr/ information and referral hotline -  1-866-202-HELP (4357) or website www.njmentalhealthcares.com