Coping Suggestions Following Trauma (Article)

Suggestions for you

Remember your reactions are not unusual – they are normal reactions to an abnormal event.

• Structure your time and keep busy.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Do things you enjoy and remember to take care of yourself.
• Eat well-balanced and regular meals even if you don’t feel much like eating.
• Within the first 24-48 hours, periods of physical exercise with healthful limits, alternated with relaxation, will help alleviate some of your physical reactions.
• Talk to people and spend time with others. Talking with supportive friends and family members is healing medicine.
• Maintain as normal a schedule as possible.
• Be aware of numbing the pain with overuse of alcohol or other drugs. This can further complicate your situation.
• Give yourself permission to feel upset and share your feelings with others.
• Keep a journal. Write your way through your feelings.
• Try not to make any important life changes until you are confident you are making rational decisions.
• Return to making as many daily decisions as possible. It may give you a feeling of control over your life.
• Reoccurring thoughts, dreams, and flashbacks are normal. Don’t be too upset by them. They will tend to decrease in frequency and intensity over time.
• Realize that those around you are also under stress and need your patience too.
• Help your co-workers as much as possible by sharing feelings and checking out how they are doing.

Suggestions for Family and Friends

• Reassure your friend or loved one that they are now safe.
• Listen with focus and let them know you care.
• Be willing to just sit quietly with them.
• Arrange and participate in low-risk activities that the person would enjoy.
• Help them with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, and caring for their family.
• Give them some private time.
• Try not to take their anger or other feelings personally.

For more information on how to cope following trauma, give Best Care EAP a call. To schedule your confidential appointment, call (402) 354-8000 or (800) 801-4182, or send an email.

Source: International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc., 2001.