Any type of event that causes emotional stress and trauma can be extremely difficult. This can be something personal, like childhood experiences, the loss of a loved one, or something more global, like a natural disaster. Traumatic stress can cause a feeling of powerlessness and make it hard to move through day-to-day life. However, it is possible to work through this trauma and regain a sense of control.
Here's what you need to know about how one can work with traumatic events:
Emotional Response to Traumatic Situations
When someone goes through something traumatic, it can be challenging to live with the aftermath. Some may feel like they are in shock and have difficulty processing what has happened. Others may feel angry, scared, or helpless. It is important to remember there really is no right or wrong way to feel after a traumatic event. Each person will respond differently and must find ways to work with stress and trauma that work best for them.
How to Deal With Traumatic Stress
Recognizing when help is needed to move forward after experiencing traumatic stress, or knowing what to do, can be challenging. . You may feel scared, confused, and alone. There are a few things you can try to help yourself heal:
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Another important thing to do is to give yourself time to adjust. Don't expect to feel better right away. It could take many days, weeks, months, or for some, even years for you to start feeling like yourself again. During this time, it's essential to be kind to yourself and to take care of yourself.
Open Up About Your Experience
One of the things that you can start doing for yourself is to talk about what happened. Talk to your friends, family, or a therapist. Talking about your experience, as difficult as it may be, can help you process it and start to heal.
Stay Connected With Loved Ones
It can be easy to decide to isolate yourself after a traumatic event. But staying connected to the people who care about you is crucial. Spend time with your friends and other loved ones, go to your support group or call a helpline.
Spend Time Doing What You Love
Doing what you love, whether that is art, music, sports, yoga, connecting with nature, or something else, is one of the best ways to help yourself after a traumatic event. This can significantly help you take your mind off the traumatic event and give you a sense of peace and that calmness you need. When you're ready, you can then resume your regular schedule. If you don't know what you love to do, you can try activities you've never done before.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
It is crucial for you to take care of your physical health when you are coping with a traumatic event. Make sure to eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise. These things can help your body heal and process the stress of the event. If you feel like you can't go back to the gym, you can walk around the neighbourhood or even dance at home. The key is to stay active.
Make sure you get enough rest. If you find it hard to fall asleep at night, you can try listening to calming music or do some meditation to help you sleep.
Seek Professional Help
If you have experienced a traumatic event, it is important to seek professional help to move forward in a healthy way. This is because a traumatic event can significantly impact your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. It is vital to get help and support to heal.
There are many different types of professional help available, and it is important to find the kind of help that is just right for you. If you feel scared, confused, or alone, know there are people who can help you.
Conclusion
It is not easy to deal with stress and trauma from an event in your life, but it is possible to get through it with the help of family, friends, and professionals. It is important to allow yourself to feel all of the emotions that come with a traumatic experience and to take time for self-care. Many resources are available to help you through a difficult time, and it is important to reach out for professional help if you need it.
Lisa Sabatini has a holistic approach to trauma healing and stress relief available virtually and in person. If you are from Kingston or nearby areas and you are on a journey to recovery from a traumatic event. Get in touch with us to know how we can help you get your life back on track.