This Is Trauma Recovery: How to Navigate The Road To Wellness
Trauma
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.
American Psychological AssociationRead MoreDEFINING TRAUMA
Trauma is a pervasive problem. It results from exposure to an incident or series of events that are emotionally disturbing or life-threatening with lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being.
Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource CenterRead More
Recovering emotionally from disaster
It is important to remember that resilience and recovery are the norm, not prolonged distress. There are a number of steps you can take to build emotional well-being and gain a sense of control following a disaster, including the following:
- Give yourself time to adjust.
- Ask for support from people who care you and who will listen and empathize with your situation.
- Communicate your experience.
- Find a local support group led by appropriately trained and experienced professionals.
- Engage in healthy behaviors to enhance your ability to cope with excessive stress.
- Establish or reestablish routines.
- Avoid making major life decisions.
Self-Care and Recovery After Trauma
- Surviving a Traumatic Experience.
- Don’t Isolate Yourself.
- Seek Professional Help.
- Join a Support Group.
- Face It (Don’t Avoid It).
- Exercise.
- Listen to Your Body.
- Stay Away From Alcohol.
- Get Back Into Your Routine.
- Fix the Little Things.
- Take Stock.
- Meditate.
- Celebrate Life.
- Turn Up the Tunes.
Experiences that may be traumatic include:
- Physical, sexual, and emotional. Childhood neglet.
- Living with a family member with mental health or substance use disorders.
- Sudden, unexplained separation from a loved one.
- Poverty.
- Racism, discrimination, and oppression.
- Violence in the community, war, or terrorism.
Six tips for healing from emotional trauma
- Acknowledge the trauma.
- Seek social support.
- Seek Therapy.
- Practice self-care.
- Look forward to growth.
- Be patient with yourself.
