| Dealing with traumatic stress |
| Regaining your mental equilibrium and starting over can take time, just as it frequently does after a disaster or traumatic incident when clearing debris and repairing damage. However, there are particular actions you can do to support your loved ones and yourself in overcoming the psychological fallout from trauma and finding a means to move on with your life. Keep in mind that there are no right or incorrect feelings. Individuals respond to trauma in different ways, so don’t dictate to yourself or anybody else what you ought to be feeling, thinking, or doing. Don’t ignore your feelings—it will only slow recovery. Even while it might feel better in the heat of the moment to suppress your feelings, they are still there whether you want to acknowledge them or not. Allowing yourself to feel what you feel, even overwhelming feelings, will pass. Avoid obsessively reliving the traumatic event. Repetitious thinking or viewing horrific images over and over can overwhelm your nervous system, making it harder to think clearly. Engage in mind-numbing tasks (such cooking, reading, watching movies, or playing with your children) to avoid focusing all of your energy and attention on the terrible experience. Reestablish routine. There is comfort in the familiar. After a disaster, getting back—as much as possible—to your normal routine, will help you minimize traumatic stress, anxiety, and hopelessness. You may plan your day so that you have regular periods for eating, sleeping, spending time with family, and relaxing—even if your work or school schedule is interrupted. Put major life decisions on hold. Making big life decisions about home, work, or family while traumatized will only increase the stress in your life. Try to hold off until things have calmed down, you’ve restored emotional equilibrium, and your cognitive abilities are improved. |
Anna Godfrey 