Dealing with traumatic event isn’t easy. Depending on the type of trauma suffered, these events can overwhelm a person and can even reduce their ability to cope due to the additional stress they cause.
The good news is that, there are some steps you can take to help you cope after a disturbing event or disaster. Here are some of them.
Give yourself time
It’s normal to feel anxious after experiencing a traumatic event. Others may have trouble sleeping and may even have nightmares. These are normal reactions. It may take a bit of time to adjust and get through it, but you will. Know that what you are feeling right now will not last. Give yourself the time and space to fully heal.
Use relaxation techniques
Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises to help reduce nervous tension. Work on your general stress levels by ensuring that you have regular exercise, proper diet, and adequate sleep. Also, make time for activities that are relaxing and enjoyable. This will help get your mind off of worries, even for just a few hours.
Talk to family and friends
Some people tend to withdraw from others after experiencing a disturbing event, but this will only make things worse. Do not isolate yourself. Connecting with others will help you heal. You may not feel like there is no one you can trust, but try to talk to one or more people about what happened to you. Talk to a trusted family member, friend or a counsellor who will listen to you without judging you. You don’t have to talk about the trauma if you’re not comfortable. Instead, talk about what you’re feeling or what’s bothering you.
Seek professional help
As mentioned above, it takes a while to recover from trauma. But if you’re still not feeling better after a few months, it is best to seek professional help. Look for a therapist who has experience working with trauma patients.