Trauma is the emotional and mental impact left behind after a person goes through a crisis. A person who has gone through a disaster and cannot cope with the pain develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A traumatic experience makes a person feel helpless, hopeless, stressed, anxious and may cause depression. Here are some of the ways one can handle emotional trauma;
Seek Professional Help
As a traumatized person, you may get stuck in the past since you keep on re-living the traumatic experience you had. Your life is in disarray, and you cannot move on unless you get help. Traumatic events such as death, divorce, serious physical injury, and witnessing a horrifying scene can cause emotional trauma. To get over the experience and resume your regular life, you should seek psychological help from a mental health expert to guide and help you to address the fears, anger, and anxiety caused by the painful memories. The therapist will help you to accept the situation and carry on with life.
Join a Support Group
Avoid spending time alone as you will overthink the tragic event you have had. Self-isolation may lead to depression, which will complicate your situation further. Instead, reach out to family and friends for help. Join a group of people who have had a similar experience as you are in. Join a support group of men going through divorce, If you are a man going through a divorce. Discussing your experiences together as a support group is uplifting. The group also plays the role of an accountability partner that keeps tabs on you in case you slide back to the depressive and anxious state.
Do Relaxation Techniques
If you are traumatized, there is a possibility of being high-strung, alert, and feeling vulnerable most of the time. To get rid of these feelings, do body relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. Focus on yourself as you breathe in and out, listening to relaxing music, meditating, doing stretch exercises, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxations. A massage or a spa treatment may also help release the tension in the body and improve blood circulation. As you engage in the relaxing activities, your mind stops focusing on the traumatic experiences and instead shifts to the relaxing technique you are involved in.
Do Exercise
Did you know that exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones? Endorphins act as pain relievers, and they also help you to cope with stress. As you exercise, you will get refreshed, rejuvenated, and restored physically, mentally, and emotionally. Exercises also remove tension from the body, improves blood circulation, and this relaxes the body. After exercising, you will be able to have a good night’s rest if you have been having difficulties with sleep, as is usual with traumatized persons. Do exercise such as walks, jogging, and running. They are preferable as they will take you away from the familiar environment.
If you are going through emotional trauma, the above list of activities can help you cope with your situation. They are a healthy way of addressing stressful circumstances. They are easy to do and can be done concurrently. Within no time, you will soon find yourself on the path to recovery.
