How To Cope With A Traumatic Situation In Life?
Facing a traumatic situation is something everyone feels daunted by. It is imperative to find the right way to deal with the stress of that trauma. There are healthy and maladaptive coping strategies in such situations. One should ask for help to heal better and learn to adjust to the new position.
A professional will offer you a safe space to discuss your mental health. Treatment through trauma therapy is in a non-judgmental atmosphere so one can feel comfortable while helping. It is helpful if there are any problematic situations in the neighborhood, workplace, or home. Asking for professional help is the best recourse.
Here are some recommendations for seeking aid when stuck in a traumatic situation:
What Classifies as a Traumatic Situation?
Any event which causes undue stress on a person can be called traumatic. It acts as a trigger to initiate a strong emotional response. A person can suffer from a traumatic situation whenever in his life.The following events can be called triggers of unwarranted stress and trauma:
- Witnessing death
- Terrorist attacks
- Physical and/or sexual violence
- Witnessing or being involved in severe accidents
- Witnessing or experiencing man-made or natural disasters
- Receiving news about a chronic or life-threatening illness
Apart from the incidents mentioned above, some events may feel traumatic. If it feels challenging to deal with, it is advised to seek help for better coping. Involvement with these events can happen directly when they are involved in them.
Witnessing or hearing a third-person account of the incident can also trigger a strong emotional response, especially if something happened to a known person. Additionally, repeated exposure to the same trauma can lead to serious mental issues if not treated well.
How to Cope Better?
In case any situation is acting as a trigger, it is best to seek professional advice. Coping on your own may be possible, but sometimes getting experienced professionals involved adds to some additional support.
Seek Therapy
Getting help from a therapist is perhaps the best approach one can take. It allows them to deal with stress in a non-destructive way. A therapist enables an individual to navigate their emotions and use good camping strategies to heal better.
Therefore, trauma therapy is a good choice because professionals understand the situation and try to guide you healthily and effectively. Trauma can be born out of the workplace, school, or relationships. Mental health support is an excellent way to deal with the issues constructively.
Try to Stay Away From Media
The media reports the significant incidents for the common population to know. However, if you were a part of that event, reliving it through news broadcasts may be causing you undue stress. Staying away from the media, especially in the initial days, is important to give yourself time to heal and adjust to the world.
Stay With Close Friends or Family
There are more chances of someone feeling alone or distanced if they are with people they love. They can form a support system that allows for better adjustment to the new life after the event has transpired. If possible, moving with someone close is the best chance to cope better.
If that is not possible, try to stay in touch with them through phone and video calls. Building a support system would allow individuals to have a safe space to share their feelings and thoughts when they are ready.
The Takeaway
It is necessary to give people room to adjust to their new life post a traumatic event, which can only happen effectively if they healthily deal with their stress. Seeking therapy and help from loved ones is essential for mental well-being after a tragic event.
Traumatic situations can occur anywhere at any time and people are bound to go through a traumatic situation in the course of life. So, don’t feel afraid to ask for help from a medical practitioner or from your loved ones.