Trauma comes in many forms and effects every single person differently. What links each experience together , is the after math and the importance of self care during these times.
There is nothing more important than the after care you give yourself or seek out . Below are Three tips to help . Enjoy !
1.)Take it slow
This, my sweet , is the most important thing you can possibly do for yourself right now.
When you experience a traumatic event ( no matter the cause) Your body itself is deeply effected. Pay close attention to how your body feels in these days, If it is telling you to rest - do it . If it wants fresh air, or to cry- indulge it. You are the number one thing you should be focusing on right now and I recommend doing just that. You'll do yourself more harm than good, if you push yourself in this stage. Notice any dramatic changes in your everyday activities.
How are your eating habits? How are your sleeping habits? Are you getting enough exercise or physical activity daily? How is your Vitamin D intake? Are you being more social or less social? How are your sexual habits? Are you leaving your house enough?
If there are any dramatic shifts in these activities, I would monitor them closely and make sure to keep a balance. You don't want to over or under indulge in anything.
2.) Keep track of your Emotional state
Emotions can be a tricky thing, one day you can be feeling on top of the world and the next you may feel as low as it gets. Although this is completely normal, it doesnt make it any easier. Your emotions may go through a whirlwind and may be confusing and scary, you don't have to go it alone.The last thing you want to is to withdrawal completely. When you've gone through a trauma your emotions are heightened and one bad day can feel like the end of the world. Know that what you are feeling is OK and always keep in mind that you are not alone. If you are struggling with your emotions, I recommend reaching out to someone and talking about how you are feeling. If you are really struggling There are people out there who help and are educated on these things professionally. It does not make you weak to ask for help, it actually shows a deep inner strength. Draw on this whenever you need it most.
I recommend keeping a daily journal for your emotions in the early stages, or even completely throughout. Being able to pour yourself out onto a page, can be a sort of safe haven and a helpful tool later on . Going back over your own words, you may find wisdom that you need on a different day. It can also help you keep track of the fluctuations in your moods and may even be a tool for your mental healthcare professional to help you in.
You don't have to necessarily share your highs and lows with others, but in a professional setting it could help save your life. The last thing you need is to shut down emotionally, while this is very common, it is actually a warning sign and should not be ignored. If you feel like you are beginning to shut down emotionally, please speak up and ask for help.
3.)Seek your comforts
What Comforts you? Write down a list of the things that keep you feeling comfortable within your own skin. Whether they are hobbies, self care methods, religious practices, studies, crafts- whatever . These things are an important part of you and drawing on them when the going gets tough, can help you a great deal in remembering all that you are. A common symptom of trauma is withdrawal and although that can be healthy in small doses , when we withdrawal too much we start to lose a sense of ourself and this is a dangerous combination.
Pay attention.
On the alternative, Trauma can help push you into a new direction for comforts. When we go through the phases of trauma, things that once worked may fall away and we find a new comfort that we need deeply at this time. If you are up for it, go to your local library and browse the non fiction aisles. there are sections on gardening, healthcare, cooking, religion, crafting, building, the cosmos, math, pyrotechnics and so much more. Use this time as a tool for growth if you can. It may feel weird at first, but the things you do now are what you will notice later, are the things that helped the most. Coddling yourself , in a sense, may seem silly, but I promise you will thank yourself in the long run.
You are doing great, in the phase, day and moment you are in right now.
I hope these points and tips help you in some way.
Remember, its okay to ask for help and a lot of the time it can help you so much.
If the latter is true and counseling is too much for you right now, thats okay, you can always come back to it later when the trauma is less fresh and you are ready for it.
Do what you can for YOU now, and follow your intuition.
It does more harm than good to push, so take it easy and one day at a Time. You are brilliant now and always.
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