After a Traumatic Event: Tips Self-Care
Things to Remember after a Traumatic Event
- No one who sees a disaster is untouched by it.
- It is understandable to feel anxious about you and your family’s safety.
- Profound sadness, grief, and anger are common reactions to an abnormal event.
- Acknowledging our feelings helps us recover.
- Focusing on our strengths and abilities will help you to heal.
- Accepting help from known resources is healthy.
- We each have different needs and different ways of coping.
- It is common to want to strike back at people who have caused great pain. However, acts of retaliation are likely to do you more harm than good.
Signs that Adults Need Assistance after a Trauma
- Difficulty communicating thoughts
- Difficulty sleeping
- Easily frustrated
- Increased use of drugs/alcohol
- Limited attention span, difficulty concentrating
- Poor work performance
- Headaches/stomach problems
- Tunnel vision/muffled hearing
- Colds or flu-like symptoms
- Disorientation or confusion
- Reluctance to leave home
- Depression, sadness
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Mood-swings
- Crying easily
- Overwhelming guilt and self-doubt
- Fear of crowds, strangers, or of being alone
Ways to Ease the Reaction to Trauma
- Talk with someone about your feelings of anger, sorrow, and other emotions – even though it may be difficult
- Don’t hold yourself responsible for the traumatic event.
- Take steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing by staying active in your daily life patterns, or by adjusting them. This healthy outlook will help yourself and your family (i.e. healthy eating, rest, exercise, relaxation, or meditation).
- Maintain a normal household and daily routine, limiting your demanding responsibilities of yourself and your family.
- Spend time with family, friends, and other supportive networks..