5 Top Tips for Managing Traumatic Stress

Did you know that around 7% of people experience traumatic stress at some point in their lives? From natural disasters to violent events and beyond, there are plenty of things that can cause someone to develop PTSD and other mental health issues. While most people are able to make a full recovery with time, finding peace and security after the initial trauma can feel impossible. It's important to remind yourself that you're not broken if you're suffering from traumatic stress symptoms. Keep reading to learn 5 tips that can help you with your healing journey.

1. Don't Bottle Your Emotions
 

Dealing with traumatic stress symptoms is tough, which is why lots of people try to cope by avoiding their feelings altogether. While this may help in the short term, you won't be able to move on from your trauma if you don't face it. Allow yourself to cry and go through the waves of your emotions so you can grieve.

2. Lean on Your Support Network
 

Handling traumatic stress is a lot less intimidating when you have a strong group of trusted friends and family members who can help you carry this burden. Your loved ones will be able to help care for you and remind you that you're never alone. If you don't feel ready to talk about your trauma out loud yet, then you may find comfort in journaling so you can work through the event at a safe pace.

3. Focus on Caring for Yourself
 

Sticking with your normal routine is heroic work after a traumatic event. Even though it may be hard, easing your way back into your schedule can help you start to feel safe again. During this time, you need to make sure that you're getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and moving your body in joyful ways to nurture your mental health.

4. Be Prepared to Work Through Panic Responses
 

Going through a traumatic event is bad enough, so it feels unfair to have unsettling symptoms for days, weeks, or even months afterward. Recognizing the feeling of when you're starting to experience a panic response can help you stay safe and recover sooner. When your mental health is declining rapidly, focus on maintaining deep breaths and reminding yourself that this panic will pass.

5. Consider Seeking Professional Help for Traumatic Stress
 

If you'd like professional guidance and treatment, then it's always a good idea to try therapy. Therapists can help you work through your trauma, teach you healthy coping mechanisms, and even give you specialized treatments like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy.

Managing Traumatic Stress Is Possible
 

The symptoms of traumatic stress are overwhelming and intrusive, so it's understandable why you may feel frustrated. The reassuring news is that you can restore normalcy and happiness by following these tips and being gentle with yourself. If you're in need of trauma therapy, Thunder Bay Psychology would love to help. Contact us to learn more about our mental health services and to schedule your appointment with one of our trained and compassionate experts.