When traumatic events happen, it affects all of us differently, there is no right or wrong way. Just like each one of us, how we react to trauma is unique.
It can affect us emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually.
With the right strategies in place you can reduce the effects of trauma.
Here are 5 strategies that may help you.
Acknowledge and honor your feelings
It’s perfectly normal to feel a full range of feelings, anger, sadness, confusion, numbness, curiosity, etc. Acknowledge that these are normal feelings and try not to judge them or anyone else experiencing emotions that are different to your own.
Time out for self
Taking care of yourself is vital, making sure you get enough rest, eating a healthy balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, taking walks in nature, spending some quiet time doing things that you find enjoyable and saying NO to things that may add to your levels of stress.
It’s important to avoid alcohol or stimulants as a coping strategy.
Take a break or unplug
When traumatic events happen it’s easy to find yourself surrounded in them.
It can feel like everywhere you look you see or read something to do with it.
This can raise all kind of emotions and depending on what your profession is, it can become consuming and your mind can keep replaying scenes or events like a movie on repeat.
Allow yourself some time to unplug from all forms of media for set periods of the day so you can focus on something else.
Mindfulness matters
When you find your mind “going back” to events try bringing yourself back to the present moment.
Focus on your breathing, the sensations in your body, the environment around you, the sounds you hear and notice sights and smells that you may not have noticed before.
Find strength in support
Building and maintaining strong support systems is important to your wellbeing.
Talk to people you can trust, share your feelings with them.
Allow others to cheer you up but also be clear that if you need some time out its not personal.
Allow yourself time to process, grieve and heal.
If you find yourself unable to eat, sleep or enjoy the things you usually do, seek professional help.
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
- Headspace - 1800 650 890
- Rural Link - 1800 522 002
- Alcohol and Drug Support Line – 1800 198 024
