I witnessed someone kill themselves today?!

I witnessed someone kill themselves today?

Today at work, someone jumped from a tall building across the street from my job. I didn't see the actual fall but I saw the end results and I can't get the screaming that was going on (from witnesses) out of my head, and I can't get the man's face or how his body landed out of my mind. I've tried to keep busy but these horrors keep haunting me. How do I cope and what should I do? I know about the counseling (my work place offered counseling for us who saw the aftermath) but the words of the counselors didn't work. What's next?

3 weeks ago
doshiealan
Yes I was there. Please re-read.

Give yourself some time, this just happened. It is completely natural, and normal, that you would be upset after witnessing this tragedy. (I would be more concerned if you were not upset, though some people are in too much shock to be upset immediately following something like this).

Talking about what you saw and how it is making you feel is a great way to working through it, that way it won't haunt you for long. I'm sure it is something that you will always remember, but in time probably months, it will not be as upsetting to think about as it is right now. That is because it just happened. Talk with your friends, it will help.

If in two or three months you find it is still very upsetting, or if you start losing too much sleep at night because of your thoughts about this, I 'd suggest seeking counseling.

God Bless.