A harrowing incident unfolded on Interstate 495 in Fairfax County, Virginia, when a man attacked four people, resulting in the tragic deaths of a woman and a dog. The event, which occurred on March 1, left many witnesses deeply shaken, underscoring the profound impact of witnessing violence.

Understanding the Impact of Trauma

According to a study from June 2025, 64% of adults in the United States have been exposed to in-person gun violence, with Black and Hispanic adults facing higher risks. Additionally, 70% of American adults have experienced some form of trauma in their lives, as reported by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

For those who witnessed the incident on I-495, the experience was deeply unsettling. One eyewitness, a mother of two, expressed her fear and the lasting images that haunt her. Experts emphasize the importance of processing such trauma promptly to mitigate long-term psychological effects.

Strategies for Coping

Philadelphia-based trauma therapist Shari Botwin advises individuals to talk and write about their experiences as soon as possible. Sharing the story with trusted friends or family members can be a crucial step in processing the trauma. Botwin also recommends journaling daily to help manage psychological turmoil and prevent conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ricky Greenwald, a clinical psychologist, highlights the importance of self-care practices, including maintaining a nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep, exercising, and fostering social connections. These practices can aid in recovery from traumatic experiences.

Therapeutic Approaches

Greenwald and Botwin both advocate for therapy as a beneficial tool for trauma recovery. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is recommended as an effective therapy for directly addressing traumatic memories. Other therapies, such as cognitive processing therapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, are also available, though they may require more time and effort.

Botwin stresses the need for awareness of one’s physiological responses to trauma, such as the fight-or-flight response, and the importance of grounding techniques to manage these reactions.

The journey to healing is unique for each individual, and while there is no cure for PTSD, facing trauma and practicing self-compassion are key to managing its effects. The incident on I-495 serves as a reminder of the resilience required to navigate the aftermath of violence.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.