How to Start Healing Post-Trauma
Post Date: Jun 05, 2024
Behavioral Health
Traumatic experiences and life events come in many forms. They can come from the loss of a loved one, financial hard times, world and weather events, injury, addiction, and many other causes. But no matter its source, trauma can take time to heal and recover from. When you’re in the middle of it, it can be hard to see your way out. Here are a few ways to help you start healing after trauma.
Remember that having a reaction is normal
It’s normal to have a reaction after a traumatic experience. You could feel emotional. You could feel tired or stressed. You might be constantly on alert for something else to happen. Or you could range between many of these feelings. Physically, you might have a hard time sleeping, experience dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, have headaches, or feel exhausted. You might see a change in behaviors, like a difference in appetite, turning toward substances like drugs or alcohol, or having trouble focusing and sticking to your daily routines.
No matter what reaction you have, recognize that it’s okay to have that reaction. Giving yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling is an important first step as you start to heal.
Face your feelings
Blocking out your thoughts about the events or your feelings about the trauma doesn’t help. Don’t avoid thinking about the traumatic incident. And if there’s a place you associate with the trauma, it’s best to gently and carefully revisit that location if you can. Pushing down your emotions doesn’t make them go away.
It’s easy to want to avoid negative feelings. Talking about your feelings, whether with a loved one or a therapist, can be a big part of addressing them. Conversation helps. If you’re in crisis, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24 hours a day by calling 988.
Get in some movement
Moving your body with exercise is a great way to help your healing process. Sometimes, you might need to do something high-impact to work through your emotions. Or you might need some gentle yoga stretches to help relax sore muscles. Any type of movement can help you release the stress response you may be feeling after a trauma.
Care for your mental health
Do things you love and that help you relax, like gardening, going for a walk in nature, meditating, crafting, cooking, or spending time with friends and family. Look out for yourself, and do all you can to relax and care for your mind and body as you’re working to heal.
Seek help if you need it
Family and friends can be your lifeline in difficult times. A therapist, counselor, or primary care provider can also offer support. But no matter who you turn to, it’s important to ask for help when you need it. People who care about you want to help. But they don’t always know what you need unless you ask.
CHP offers behavioral health services that can give you support if you’re going through a difficult healing process. Reach out to a clinic if you’re in or near Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, or West Yellowstone. Affordable care is available when you need it.
