Dealing With Trauma Is Hard: Here’s How To Make It Easier
People react in different ways after directly experiencing a traumatic event. Anxiety, fear, anger, sadness, or the complete opposite, separation from one’s own emotions – dissociation.
Traumatic events are usually situations in which a person is exposed to a high-stress level and loses a sense of security, which leads to feeling exposed and helpless. After surviving trauma, disturbing emotions, memories, and anxiety usually remain that do not go away on their own. Also, the person may feel paralyzed and unable to trust and connect with others.
Regardless of what caused the past trauma and whether it happened years ago or yesterday, it is essential to know that trauma can be successfully treated and you can move on with your life. We have prepared this article for you to provide you with several ways in which you can make dealing with trauma easier, so continue reading.
Get Active
Trauma keeps your nervous system paralyzed. Physical activity, in addition to burning adrenaline and releasing endorphins, can help “unload” your nervous system. Exercise or walk briskly for at least 30 minutes a day.
Instead of focusing on your thoughts while you exercise, focus on your body and how it feels as you move. Notice the feeling of your feet hitting the floor, for example, the rhythm of your breathing or the feel of the wind on your skin.
When to Seek Professional Help?
Recovery from trauma is individual. Someone will need a month, and someone half a year. However, if you notice that you are unable to deal with the emotions caused by the trauma on your own and that they are interfering with your daily life, it may be the right time to seek professional help.
Working through trauma can be scary, painful, and potentially re-traumatizing because you will be reliving past trauma through talking, so if you are from California, you will need an experienced therapist based in Orange County or elsewhere to help you work through your problem. The Lorien Center has over 30 years of experience in all types of psychotherapy, which is individually adapted to the condition and needs of the patient.
Seek professional trauma help if:
- You have problems functioning at home or work
- You suffer from severe fear, anxiety, or depression
- You cannot form close and satisfying relationships
- You experience frightening memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
- You avoid things that remind you of the trauma
- You are emotionally numb and disconnected from others
- You use alcohol or narcotics to make yourself feel better
Don’t Isolate Yourself
After a trauma, you may want to withdraw from people, but isolation only makes things worse. Connecting with people face-to-face will help you heal, so try to maintain your relationships and avoid spending too much time alone.
You don’t have to talk about the trauma. Connecting with others doesn’t have to involve talking about trauma. In fact, for some people, it can only make things worse. Participate in social activities, even if you are not very happy about it. Do regular activities with others, the ones that have nothing to do with the traumatic experience.
Take Care of Your Health
A nutritious body can improve your capacity to cope with trauma. Get enough sleep – at least 7 hours every night, because sleep regenerates your mind and your body. Avoid alcohol and psychoactive substances, as they can make you more irritable and increase feelings of anxiety or depression. Try to eat healthily and avoid stress – try meditation techniques such as yoga or deep breathing exercises.
Support of the Closest Ones
Rely on your support network – dear people in your environment with whom you are close and with whom you have always supported. Tell them about what you experienced and about your reaction (especially your feelings). Do it when you are ready. It may be your natural reaction to withdraw, but be aware that this is not helpful. On the other hand, think about which people will make it difficult to talk about what you’ve been through, and avoid any conversation with them. People who accept you will bring you comfort.
Never Avoid Your Feelings
It is expected that you do not want to think about an event that is traumatic for you. However, it is not good in the long run to avoid facing your feelings. It is not healthy to isolate yourself from society, not to leave the house. Try to get back into your normal routine. You will do this best with the help of a psychotherapist who is trained in working with trauma. It will help you recognize and accept the emotions that arise in connection with the trauma you have experienced.
Notice the pain in yourself and give yourself time and tenderness. Remember that everything in life is transient, including the trauma you are going through. Life gives you as much as you can handle, so use the current situation to strengthen yourself for a better tomorrow.
