People who saw a stabbing attack in Taipei on Friday, as well as people exposed to images of the incident, could experience trauma, highlighting the need for awareness and care, a psychologists’ association said yesterday.
The suspect, 27-year-old Chang Wen (張文), carried out attacks at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan MRT Station on Friday, killing three people and leaving 11 injured.
“The incident occurred in several crowded public spaces, and while those injured and their families would require long-term recovery and support, witnesses and people exposed to images of the attack might also need care,” the National Union of Counseling Psychologists’ Associations said.
Photo: Taipei Times
“Some people might experience fear, anxiety, anger or sadness, accompanied by insomnia, appetite changes or heart palpitations,” executive board member Hu Yen-wei (胡延薇) said, adding that others may feel emotionally numb or detached.
“These are natural responses to sudden threats and should be considered normal,” Hu said.
When people perceive danger, the brain enters a heightened state of alert, chairwoman Tsai Hsiao-wen (蔡曉雯) said.
After leaving the scene of a traumatic event, it is important to gradually calm the mind and body, and reconnect with others at one’s own pace, she said, adding that social interaction can be reassuring and healing.
Union board member Chen Shao-min (陳劭旻) advised people who feel tense or easily startled to maintain regular routines, limit exposure to distressing news and remind themselves that they are safe.
Most symptoms ease over time, but if they persist for more than two weeks and interfere with daily life, professional help should be sought, he said.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced that those affected can apply for up to three counseling sessions, Tsai said, urging people in need to make use of the program.
She also called on the public to remain attentive to others who might be struggling, saying that “mutual support is a vital force in collective recovery.”
Separately, psychologist Chen Chia-wei (陳家維), known online as “Mana Bear” (瑪那熊), wrote on Facebook that parents with preschool or school-aged children might feel unsure whether or how to discuss the attack.
While parents might worry that such conversations could frighten children, Chen Chia-wei said children are often more perceptive than adults assume and could notice tension, overhear conversations or hear about the incident from classmates.
When children piece together incomplete information on their own, misunderstandings can arise, potentially intensifying fear, he said.
Rather than avoiding the topic, he suggested that parents briefly explain what happened in a calm, age-appropriate way, while avoiding news footage or online videos, which can overwhelm children.
Parents should reassure children that fear is normal, discuss simple safety strategies and offer comfort based on family routines, he said.
Chen Chia-wei also reminded parents to care for their own well-being, adding that repeated exposure to distressing images can re-traumatize adults and reduce their ability to support their children.
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