Q: My husband was in a terrible car accident. Luckily, he was not hurt but the other driver was badly injured. My husband tried to help but couldn’t. And though the accident wasn’t his fault, he has become moody and withdrawn. How can I help?

A: We may drive for years without serious mishap. Most of us aren’t prepared to deal with the shock and trauma of serious accidents, particularly if injuries are life-threatening or there is a death. People who feel overwhelmed by life’s events, may have nightmares, sleep disorders, bothersome images, depression, anxiety, headaches, backaches, irritability, loss of appetite, withdrawal from family or friends, digestive disorders, or other problems.

Your husband may be experiencing guilt or responsibility for what happened. These signs are considered normal responses to an abnormal event. Fortunately for most, the impact will resolve within a couple of weeks.

When a person is involved in one of these unusual incidents our body responds by producing hormones that help us deal with the emergency. Unfortunately, once the emergency is over the hormones remain in the body and promote some of these unanticipated symptoms. It takes time for these hormones levels to return to normal.

Encourage your husband to talk with you or a trusted friend about his experience as much as he needs to. Exercise and good diet also help. He should avoid alcohol as a coping crutch since this will delay his recovery and could lead to more problems.